Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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1046. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to make Entresto (details supplied) available to persons here; if so, the date it will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26679/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

The HSE has completed its review of Entresto for the treatment of symptomatic chronic heart failure in adult patients.

Under the 2016 Framework Agreement on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines, in a situation where the HSE wishes to reimburse a medicine but cannot do so from within existing resources, it may inform my Department of its decision in this respect. The Minister for Health, may as he deems appropriate, bring a Memorandum to Government in relation to the funding implications and requesting consideration of same.

The HSE has advised my Department that Entresto cannot be funded from within existing resources. This matter is currently under consideration by my Department.

It should be noted that the final decision on the reimbursement of medicines remains the statutory responsibility of the HSE.