Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

171. To ask the Minister for Health the evidence the Health Service Executive drugs group considers in the assessment of rare and ultra rare diseases for drugs for potential reimbursement; the measures in place to ensure the participation of impartial expert clinicians in this assessment process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48373/17]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 171 together.

In June 2017 a new Committee called the “Rare Diseases Medicinal Products/Technology Review Committee” was established by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). The terms of reference for the Committee have been finalised and the responsibilities of the Committee include the review of proposals for funding of new products for rare diseases or expanded indications for existing products for rare diseases. The Committee will also contribute to the development of clinical guidelines for relevant Orphan Medicinal Products and support the implementation of same.

The Committee is chaired by Dr. Michael Barry. It is expected that Committee will begin its work in early 2018 after appointment of the necessary support staff.

The National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) conducts the economic evaluation of new and existing technologies (e.g. pharmaceuticals, vaccines, diagnostics) to determine their cost effectiveness or value for money.