Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1026. To ask the Minister for Health when the implementation working group established following the publication of the Mazars report and tasked with reviewing the policy, legal and institutional framework within which the HSE operates, in particular the requirements as set out in the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, is due to report to the Minister; if he will outline the patient groups, industry representatives and stakeholders consulted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40610/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In February, I published the Mazars Review which examined the governance arrangements around the HSE’s Drug Pricing and Reimbursement Process. I fully support the recommendations contained in the Mazars report around improving the process, increasing transparency, providing easier access, and supporting value for money.

An implementation group has been established between my Department and the HSE to consider and progress the various recommendations contained in the Report. The membership of the Group includes representatives of the Drugs Group, the HSE, the NCPE, and the Department of Health. The Working Group has met frequently since its establishment, to consider the involvement of patients, industry, and clinicians, in each stage of the reimbursement process.

Targeted stakeholder consultation commenced on the 31st of May and concluded on the 20th of June. The insights gained from stakeholders will be considered by the Group as it continues its work on progressing the various recommendations of the Review. A report on this will be submitted to the Minister in the coming months. Submissions to the Group were received from:

Alliance of Rare Disease Companies Ireland

AstraZeneca

BioMarin

Cystic Fibrosis Ireland

Fighting Blindness

Irish Cancer Society

Irish Haematological Society

Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association

Irish Platform for Patient Organisations, Science and Industry

Irish Society of Medical Oncologists

Medicines for Ireland

Multiple Sclerosis Ireland

National Cancer Control Programme

Rare Diseases Ireland

Rare Disease Technology Review Committee