Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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369. To ask the Minister for Health if he will re-imburse costs to persons for the drug Fampyra, who are covered under the general medical services scheme and the long-term illness scheme for the period following the end of the trial until its approval by the Health Service Executive on 1 October 2015, given the considerable financial costs incurred by such persons in need of treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3134/16]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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As you are aware, Fampridine (brand name Fampyra®) has been reimbursed under the Long Term Illness Scheme on a conditional, responder-only basis since 1 October 2015.

It is not possible to reimburse patients retrospectively for any medicine purchased before that medicine is added to the HSE's List of Reimbursable Items.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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370. To ask the Minister for Health the criteria persons must meet in order to be approved for use of Fampyra under the long-term illness scheme; the average waiting time for approval; the mechanisms through which persons can actively pursue approval or determine reasons for refusal for this treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3135/16]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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As you are aware, Fampridine (brand name Fampyra®) has been reimbursed under the Long Term Illness Scheme on a conditional, responder-only basis since 1 October 2015.

Reimbursement will be extended where a demonstration of clinical response (based on objective criteria agreed with clinical experts) is recorded and where that clinical response is shown to persist, based on objective measurement at six-monthly intervals.

I have arranged for your questions regarding the application process and waiting times to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to you. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.