Written answers
Tuesday, 14 June 2022
Department of Health
Medicinal Products
Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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1921. To ask the Minister for Health the reason that he did not agree to meet with representatives of an organisation (details supplied) in relation to the use of kaftrio for 35 children who are awaiting critical access to same further to this Deputy’s request on 1 June 2022 in Dáil Éireann given that kaftrio is already in use in the exact same manner for all persons of the same genotype aged 12 years and over and for 140 children of different genotypes aged between 6 to 11 years; if he will re-examine his position and facilitate a meeting with the organisation as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30859/22]
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Since I was appointed Minister for Health, I have at all times prioritised the needs of patients and I have at every opportunity, made myself available to meet with patients and patient groups.
Kaftrio has been a life changing drug for Cystic Fibrosis sufferers, and I want to see it made available to everyone who needs it.
I am advised that commercial discussions between the HSE and the manufacturer on extending the availability of the drug to these children are at a very sensitive stage, and that it would be inappropriate for me to engage with CF Ireland while those discussions are ongoing.
I certainly would not want to jeopardise those negotiations, which I hope can be brought to a satisfactory conclusion for everyone in the next few weeks.
I will be more than happy to meet with Cystic Fibrosis Ireland as soon as it is appropriate for me to do so.
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