Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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667. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding enabling the self-possession of emergency medications to patients with C1 inhibitor deficiency hereditary angioedema, as is common practice in most European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9250/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Patients with hereditary angioedema have attacks of swelling that can occur anywhere in the body, such as in the face or limbs, or around the gut, causing discomfort and pain. The condition occurs because of a deficiency of the C1 inhibitor protein required to control the systems in the blood that fight against infection and cause inflammation. Patients with low levels of this protein have excessive activity of these two systems, which leads to the symptoms of angioedema.

There are authorised medicines for emergency treatment of acute attacks and for the prevention of attacks. These are Cinryze (C1 inhibitor, a protein extracted from human blood), authorised in 2011, Ruconest (conestat alfa) authorised in 2010, and Firazyr (icatibant) authorised in 2008. These products are centrally authorised by the European Medicines Agency and the same summary of product characteristics (SmPC) applies in all member states.

As these products are centrally-authorised, the method of sale and supply via prescription is the same throughout Europe. The information for the healthcare professional for Cinryze and Firazyr allows for patients to be trained to give themselves an injection when needed. They can also obtain emergency supplies from a pharmacist under the relevant legislation.

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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668. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the access and equity of access to immunoglobin for patients with primary immunodeficiencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9251/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy's question relates to service delivery matters and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.