Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

297. To ask the Minister for Health if he will review a matter (details supplied); if he will reconsider this decision not to fund Translarna; if he will address the points made by the persons affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41280/17]

Noel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

318. To ask the Minister for Health the reason the drug Translarna is not being made available for persons that suffer with Duchenne muscular dystrophy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41347/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 297 and 318 together.

The Health Service Executive has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

The HSE informed my Department of its decision not to reimburse Ataluren (Translarna) in July 2017. The HSE informed the manufacturer of this decision, in keeping with the requirements of the 2013 Act. The manufacturer has appealed the HSE’s decision to the High Court under Section 27 of the 2013 Act.

As proceedings have now issued against the HSE, this is now subject to the Courts process.

It would be inappropriate for me to comment on a matter currently before the Courts.