Brendan Ryan (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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108. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that the process of approving vital medication for the treatment of serious illnesses such as cancer is expedited, and that drugs such as Pembrolizumab and Nivolizumab are made available to patients in as timely a manner as possible. [13745/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Prior to reimbursing any item, the HSE considers a range of statutory criteria, including clinical need, cost-effectiveness and the resources available.

As regards the specific drugs referred to by the Deputy, the HSE confirmed yesterday that Pembrolizumab has been approved for reimbursement. I understand that Nivolumab is still being considered by the HSE under the national medicines pricing and reimbursement assessment process.