Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We fully appreciate the severity of cystic fibrosis and acknowledge the fears and frustrations of the families affected by this situation. The HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions as given to it in the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. This requires that the HSE ensures that medicines are reimbursed in a cost-effective manner. The HSE is making every effort to fulfil its responsibility. Following extensive efforts by the HSE's corporate pharmaceutical unit we are now seeing progress with this situation. The Minister, the clinical community and, most importantly, the families affected are all eager to see progress towards making this drug available to these children. I will certainly convey the Senator's concerns and comments to the Minister directly.