Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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381. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the provision of funding for the drug Translarna for persons who need it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51930/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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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, in deciding not to reimburse Translarna, cited uncertainty around clinical evidence but advised the applicant that it would be open to reviewing any additional clinical evidence if any should become available. The HSE informed the applicant of this decision, in keeping with the requirements of the 2013 Act. The applicant has appealed the HSE’s decision to the High Court, which is part of the statutory process 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.