Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Carlow-Kilkenny · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“There is nothing any of us in this House can say that can undo the pain, harm and loss experienced by those young boys, their families and the communities in which they lived, played basketball and worked. They have had to endure a lifetime of harm, many of them carrying their suffering in silence.”
“We are listening to you, we are learning and we are acting. All of us in this House have a responsibility to ensure that our child safeguarding systems are robust. We must ensure that if concerns are raised today, they are acted on without delay.”
“Today is a profoundly important and solemn day. I want to add my voice to the full and formal State apology and to acknowledge the courage, dignity and perseverance of those survivors who fought for truth and accountability for so many years.”
“I thank the Deputy for highlighting this very important issue and the 161 recommendations. First, I thank the Joint Committee on Drug Use for its work. I welcomed the report and I am in agreement with many of its recommendations. As the Deputy will be aware, earlier this year I published a draft of the national drugs strategy.”
“The Bill and the secondary legislation, training and clinical protocols that will follow it will support the terms and conditions for this service, as laid out in the community pharmacy agreement. All secondary legislation will be in place before commencement and launch of this measure.”
“No. I thank the Deputy again for her work on the drugs committee. The vast majority of the 161 recommendations will be in the new drugs strategy but one of the recommendations was on the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. It falls under section 3. That legalises drugs. It is important we tell the people of the concern.”
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“Over its 15-year term, the scheme has successfully compensated over 3,500 active turf cutters, providing families with index-linked annual payments or relocation options to ensure energy security. This initiative has been instrumental in conserving 53 special areas of conservation and 36 natural heritage areas, addressing legal action against the State and protecting peatland sites of unique ecological value for future generations. Through this scheme, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has demonstrated that significant ecological restoration is possible through fair and sustainable community engagement.”
“I would like to assure the Deputy that every effort is being made to support individuals who have ceased turf cutting on protected bogs. The cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme has operated, as the Deputy said, for 15 years, and the majority of turf cutters on these sites have accepted compensation. Many others have consented to restoration works under the protected raised bog restoration incentive scheme or have agreed to sell plots to the State. I can say that a lot of work has been done on this but the cessation of the turf cutting compensation scheme is a landmark achievement in balancing environmental preservation with community support.”
“The State has worked collaboratively with the turf cutters, contractors and their representatives under the scheme and this has resulted in a cessation of turf cutting of 85% of the raised bog SACs since 2011. These restrictions are necessary to address these issues raised by the European Commission in legal proceedings against Ireland in the European Court of Justice. I thank the Deputy for raising this. What he has raised here tonight, I will have to ask the Minister about. Unfortunately, at the last minute the Minister could not take this matter. I can see the Deputy's concern about the 15 years and what is going to happen going forward. I will revert this question to the Minister. I think it is important we do appreciate the work that is done.”
“The Government continues to support those affected through a range of other initiatives, which include home energy efficiency grants through the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, which can provide grants up to 100% for home retrofitting and fuel allowance payments through the Department for Social Protection for households at risk of fuel poverty. These sites continue to hold significant ecological value and they are vital for biodiversity, they mitigate climate flood impacts and they are part of our cultural and ecological heritage. In many cases habitat restoration measures are necessary to restore these bogs to a healthy ecological condition.”
“A complete cessation of turf cutting was announced for all raised bog SACs in 2012 and 2011, accompanied by the launch of the cessation of the turf cutting compensation scheme. This means the affected households received an advanced notice of the restrictions but also the 15 years of financial support to assist with the transition. This scheme has provided an annual payment of €1,500 linked with inflation, together with a once-off legal agreement payment and if not, an alternative option was available. Over the lifetime of the scheme, the State will invest approximately €96 million in compensation to turf cutters affected by the restrictions on protected raised bogs. More than 3,500 active turf cutters have benefited from these supports.”
“For active raised bog, the average water level needs to be close to the surface for most of the year. As the Deputy said, turf cutting involves a combination of these activities and associated draining lowers the water levels. These change the bog structure and result in loss of drainage. For this reason, turf cutting cannot continue on these raised bog SACs. From the outset, the State recognised the significance of turf cutting for many families and communities and ensured a significant lead-in period for those affected. The Deputy spoke about the 15 years. Notification of these raised bog SACs were issued between 1997 and 2002. The voluntary bog purchase scheme was launched in 1999 and a ten-year derogation for turf cutting for domestic use only for these sites was also announced in 1999.”
“I thank the Deputy. I am taking this on behalf of the Minister. Ireland is one of 196 signatories to the Convention of Biological Diversity, signed in 1992 and ratified in 1996. However, the treaty requires Ireland to establish a system of protected areas to conserve biodiversity. To implement this across member states, the habitats directive was adopted by the European Council of Ministers in 1992 and this was transposed into Irish law in 1997. Commencing in 1997, Ireland has protected 441 special areas of conservation, SACs, thereby recognising that Ireland is endowed with a rich network of peatlands. These include 53 raised bog SACs within the scope of the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme. The main threats to these sites are the actions that remove vegetation, drain water or cause them to dry out.”
“Skyclarys is on the agenda for that meeting. It is important because I have met with so many families in Carlow-Kilkenny and with constituents who need this drug. These families are waiting to get it urgently. Like everything, there is due diligence and funding is always spoken about. It is important that we know we have the date for it. The meeting is on Tuesday, 14 July with the drugs group and Skyclarys is on the agenda for that group meeting. I will bring all of the Deputy's important issues and concerns on timing to the Minister, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. Unfortunately, she could not take this Topical Issue.”
“Two new frameworks are agreed with Medicines for Ireland. This is the Irish pharmaceutical healthcare association on the supply and pricing of medicines. These have been successfully reached following extensive negotiation with the pharmaceutical sector. These two new framework agreements will change things. A tender for conducting this review was published on Monday, 15 June. Once commenced, the project timeline is between six and nine months. Together these measures will enable faster access to medicines for patients in Ireland. I thank the Deputy for this. I will talk about my own constituency. I have met with a lot of families in Carlow affected by Friedreich's ataxia, particularly Emily and Oisín. As the Deputy said, it is important. The next HSE drugs group is meeting on Tuesday, 14 July and that will be discussed.”
“The HSE corporate pharmaceutical unit issued a formal written notice of proposal to the applicant on Tuesday, 5 May 2026. The applicant has since met with the CPU, and it has submitted a commercial offer that remains under consideration. The HSE cannot comment on potential outcomes of this application. That information is important.”
“The HSE drugs group considers all of the evidence and makes a recommendation to the HSE senior leadership team. The clinical and economic evidence for this treatment was comprehensively and extensively reviewed by the drugs group at the April 2025 meeting. Evidence considered included a HTA report from the NCPE, a patient interest group submission, two additional clinical representations, and advice from the national cancer control programme technology review committee, an expert group whose membership includes clinicians specialising in oncology. The decision-making authority in the HSE is the HSE senior management team, which decides whether it can fund a new medicine. The senior management team supported the drugs group recommendation not to reimburse this treatment.”
“It is indicated for certain adult patients with prostate cancer who have previously been treated with AR pathway inhibition and taxane-based chemotherapy. The medicine was granted marketing authorisation by the European Medicines Agency in September 2022, following a positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use. The centralised procedure results in a single EU-wide marketing authorisation valid across all EU member states. On 9 January 2023, the HSE received an application from Advanced Accelerator Applications, a Novartis company, for pricing and reimbursement of the drug. The drugs group is the national committee the HSE has in place to make recommendations on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines. The membership of the HSE drugs group includes clinical experts and public interest members.”
“The budgets for the period between 2021 to 2025 included dedicated funding of €158 million for new medicines. Budget 2026 allocated an additional €30 million of funding for new drugs out of €217 million in additional funding for drugs. This has enabled the HSE to approve reimbursement for 276 new medicines or new uses for existing medicines, including 110 for treating cancer and 75 for treating rare diseases. The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical items, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. In line with the Act a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the formal reimbursement list. I know the Deputy is aware of this. Pluvicto is a medicine used to treat prostate cancer.”
“Since I have known him, the Deputy has consistently come to the Dáil and raised issues relating to rare diseases. He has worked so hard not just in respect of this particular drug but also in respect of several others. I thank him for his commitment and his hard work on this. I know he is constantly meeting the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill. The State acknowledges the importance of access to medicines. This Government is committed to providing timely access to new and innovative medicines and has made considerable investments in recent years, with annual expenditure on medicines now almost €4 billion. This means that nearly €1 in every €8 of public funding is being spent on health. This level of investment is unprecedented in supporting patients through the availability of new and innovative medicines.”
“Again, I understand. Pouches have been spoken about. We are all learning about pouches. Vaping was new to us a while ago. We are looking at pouches now, and that is why there will be a second Bill to deal with pouches, colours, flavours and packaging. There are directives from the EU. We moved very quickly on this. We feel that this younger people, and we need to move on pouches, colours, flavours and packaging. The Government will move as quickly as it can and will work with its European counterparts on the other matters.”
“As I said, we need to move on this now and then consider other matters. All of this can be examined in a few months' time. We need to get this through. I understand the Deputy's concerns, but, as I said, we are awaiting word from the EU.”
“The evaluation of the latest framework for tobacco control documents signals the areas that a revised directive will target, namely new tobacco and nicotine products and the rise of digital marketing, which particularly targets our younger people. Accepting the amendments would risk delaying the Bill by a year or more. While the same measures are likely to be proposed at EU level later this year, the law would be more effective in harmonised form. If we were to change the Bill now, that would mean waiting another year or so to pass it. The Department and I hope to be able to pass the Bill by the end of July. As the Deputy said, we will have to look at this. There is no question about that. We need to move quickly on this, and that is why I will not be able to accept the amendment.”
“The provision in the Bill in this regard has already been notified to the EU. If no issues arise from a member state or the Commission, the process will conclude on 7 July. As it stands, the Bill has gone to Europe. It is my intention that the Bill will be enacted before the end of the year. I hope to have it passed before the recess. A new notification at EU level at this stage would mean not only a three- or six-month standstill period, but also a risk that the Bill would be delayed by at least 12 months or more. This will happen if the European Commission determines that Ireland is proposing law on an issue that it has already announced its intention to legislate for at EU level. In April, the Commission announced that it will publish a revision of the tobacco products directive this year.”
“I thank the Deputy for tabling the amendment, which relates to flavours and packaging law being introduced in respect of vapes as a result of a nicotine consumption order. The Bill introduces measures relating to nicotine consumption products, including pouches or any other products containing nicotine, in order to protect our children and take action while the use of these products is low. The measures in the Bill include a ban on sale to minors, a prohibition on advertising in retail outlets and a display ban in mixed retail outlets. These are important measures to protect our children and because of their nature are not likely to fall under harmonised law. While I understand the intention behind the amendment, if these amendments were accepted, they would require a new notification at EU level.”
“Carlow Regional Youth Services has a dedicated youth worker and a safe drop-in place. All these measures are important. Pride is important, not just as a celebration but as a chance to refocus our efforts on making Ireland a truly inclusive society.”
“I want to ensure the importance of promoting good health and well-being for our LGBT+ community is acknowledged in the framework. Pride is a celebration of identity and community and I wish everyone who is celebrating this weekend in Dublin a happy Pride. I know Carlow is having its Pride parade on 12 July and Kilkenny's Pride celebration runs from 23 July but the parade itself will be on 25 July. We have come a long way in Ireland in improving rights for the LGBT+ community and it is important to celebrate this. It is also important that we are mindful of those who would seek to take us backwards or say we have not done enough. I know we need to do more and we have to do so. I compliment my good friend John Paul Payne who is organising the Pride parade in Carlow with a load of volunteers. Well done to him.”
“These services focus on education, early intervention and harm reduction, empowering young people to make informed choices and to seek help when they need it. The draft national drugs strategy for 2026 to 2029 places a strong emphasis on fairness and access and seeks to ensure services are responsive to the needs of all communities. We are also continuing to implement our national sexual health strategy and develop a model of care for HIV. This is alongside continuing to invest in PrEP and expanding access to meet demand. Every year, €6.5 million is invested in this and we also make sure we have the staffing there, which is hugely important. Our Healthy Ireland framework is also being reviewed for the first time since 2013.”
“As Minister of State with responsibility for the national drugs strategy, I am determined our drug and alcohol services across the country are designed to be accessible, safe and responsive. That is why building capacity within services to understand and meet the needs of diverse communities remains a key priority for me. Our community services enhancement fund has previously helped expand access for groups which can face additional barriers, including women, minority communities and the LGBT+ community. We also know that tailored supports are important. Dedicated services for LGBT+ young people, developed through local drug and alcohol task forces, provide safe and non-judgmental spaces for support.”
“I am pleased to join my colleagues today in marking Pride month. This is an important month to reflect on the role we each play in supporting equality and inclusion in Irish society. Pride is about visibility, dignity, respect and celebrating identity and belonging. As a Minister of State in the Department of Health, I am particularly conscious of the importance of inclusion services. Good public health policy must recognise difference and remove barriers to access. Members of the LGBT+ community can face more complex health challenges in relation to mental health, well-being and substance use. Our goal is for everybody to be equal. We want Ireland to be a place where absolutely everyone can live healthy and safe lives.”
“In terms of improving access to services and supporting reform, the Department of Health is progressing policy to introduce direct access for dental hygienists in Ireland. This will allow dental hygienists to provide appropriate elements. I am sorry I did not have time to finish this statement.”
“The RCSI model trains dental students in a community-based model of dental education. The RCSI has taken in 21 Irish and EU students in 2025 and has secured an agreement with the HEA to expand its intake of Irish and EU students to 35 places by 2027. This will significantly increase the number of dental training places available and will enhance the workforce capacity. We know that more must be done in this area which is why we have engaged with Cork University Dental School and Hospital at University College Cork, UCC, and the Dublin Dental University Hospital at Trinity College Dublin regarding the expansion of dentistry training places. These engagements are ongoing, with a view to developing potential options to facilitate further expansions.”
“The roll-out of the workforce census is expected to be a key action in the new dental action plan. The census data will provide information to support the development of the sector and to support workforce planning. The Government is committed to ensuring our healthcare services are supported by a steady and sustainable pipeline of highly skilled graduates and one of the programme for Government commitments is to increase the number of healthcare college places, including for dentistry. We have achieved a lot in this area through collaboration with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Higher Education Authority, HEA. This work has led to the commencement of a new bachelor of dentistry degree programme in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI, in September 2025.”
“In 2019, there were 3,100 and therefore we have seen an increase of over 28% since the national oral health policy was published. There is also a need to increase the number of dental hygienists and other oral healthcare professionals. The Department of Health has commenced work on a draft strategic workforce plan for dentistry and oral health. This plan recognises and highlights the challenges in terms of data gaps in the dentistry sector. To address the gaps in data, the Department has designed an oral healthcare workforce census framework. The workforce census is intended to gather information, including the proportion of registered oral healthcare professionals who are practising in their registered profession, the services they provide, and the skills they have.”
“In particular, we need to maximise the contribution of our hygienists, dental nurses and other oral healthcare professionals to provide the modernised, prevention-focused care we are developing. This requires changes to our educational and legislative frameworks which is acknowledged in the oral health action plan. We also need to consider educational models which enable students to experience providing care in a community setting, within our most vulnerable communities, equipping them with the experience and confidence needed to serve the entire population following graduation. I am delighted to note that we currently have more dentists on the Dental Council of Ireland's register than ever before, with 3,962 as of June 2026. There has been a steady increase in the number of registered dentists.”
“In 2025, over 241,000 additional treatments were provided under the DTSS, with an extra 50,000 patients treated, when compared with 2022. Activity has continued to increase further into this year. Initial data from the first half of this year indicates that more than 4,000 additional patients have been treated, compared with the same period in 2025. These are important signs of progress and improved access, however, we have much more to do and I do understand the frustration. Reform of the DTSS is one of the actions in the action plan that my Department and the Minister have committed to. We look forward to working with relevant stakeholders in progressing this reform. A key enabler of successful reform and improvement of oral health services is ensuring that we have enough appropriately-trained oral healthcare professionals.”
“An important part of this work will be to improve the collection and availability of data, in particular for our special care patients, which includes those with intellectual disabilities. We want to ensure timely access to care under general anaesthetic for those who most need it. I want to turn to the dental treatment services scheme, DTSS. Last year the State provided care to over 300,000 medical card holders over the age of 16 under the scheme. In order to address contractor concerns regarding the DTSS, a range of measures came into effect in May 2022 to introduce and reintroduce elements of preventative care. The Minister for Health also increased the fees paid to dentists for most treatment items by from 40% to 60%. These measures are having an impact, with access to care continuing to increase each year since they were introduced.”
“However, despite additional capacity provided via private contractors under the waiting list action plan, waiting lists remain high due to staffing and recruitment challenges. I know Deputies are aware of this. The action plan seeks to address this and improve the current orthodontic waiting lists. I am aware there are challenges in the provision of dental services under general anaesthetic. I know this is not acceptable for those who are on these waiting lists. This is why the action plan will consider initiatives such as using the emerging availability of capacity that the new surgical hubs will enable. This will help reduce the current waiting times for general anaesthetic access for both children and adults.”
“Some €4 million in additional funding has been provided to support the HSE to complete recruitment of 15 additional whole-time equivalents across dentists and dental nurses. The public oral healthcare services provided by the State includes orthodontic treatment. I know the Deputy spoke about how many are on the waiting list. The HSE provides orthodontic treatment to those who have the greatest level of clinical need and have been assessed and referred for treatment before their 16th birthday. It is positive to note that 5,500 grade 4 patients have been removed from orthodontic waiting lists since the introduction of the waiting list action plan in 2020. This includes 392 patients so far in 2026. A further €2.85 million has been invested this year to support continued measures to reduce orthodontics waiting lists.”
“This service provides care to many children and adults who would not otherwise have access to oral healthcare services. Regarding access to public oral healthcare services for children, there are access issues in respect of the current model of service provided by the HSE. This service aims to offer the first of three appointments to children while they are in second class, or seven years old. Due to capacity challenges, the HSE needed to prioritise patient groups, to ensure emergency care remains available for all eligible HSE patients. Within the three childhood appointments, the sixth-class appointment is prioritised by the HSE. This is to ensure that children receive preventative treatment on their permanent molars and, for those children who require it, a referral for an orthodontics assessment.”
“The Department and the HSE are currently finalising a two-year action plan - and this is where a lot of work has been done - that aims to deliver meaningful impact in the short term while also making progress on the structural reforms outlined in the national oral health policy. The salaried HSE oral healthcare service provides dental care to several groups of patients. In the January to April period this year, it provided care to over 56,000 adults and children. This includes over 16,000 emergency appointments to eligible patients, on a same-day or next-day basis. Those with additional needs who cannot receive care in a general dental practice may need special care services provided by the HSE. The HSE provides these patients with an oral health examination and where necessary, their treatment is provided using additional supports.”
“The Minister welcomed the Joint Committee on Health’s recent report on dental services and understands the frustration families and individuals are experiencing with the current services. In my own clinics I see this daily. The current position on public dental services is not good enough. Too many people cannot get timely care. We have to do two things, namely, take practical steps now to improve access and deliver lasting reform in the long term. The model of services we operate is largely from the 1990s, and it must be modernised. While that reform is progressing, we are determined to ease the pressure people are facing now. In practical terms, that means improving access through the public system, especially for children and adult medical card holders.”
“I thank the Members for this very important motion and for giving me the opportunity to discuss dentistry services and to provide an update on the developments in the sector and the oral health action plan. The Government allocates over €240 million to the provision of public oral healthcare services every year across the Department of Health and the Department of Social Protection. This ongoing investment shows our commitment to delivering services, progressing reforms and addressing the challenges we know exist in dentistry services. We fully acknowledge that more needs to be done. The Minister for Health wants to do much more to improve oral healthcare services and to address access issues.”
“I understand. I do. In the meantime, Balbriggan primary care unit continues to play a vital role. I compliment everybody involved in that unit. We understand that these units and injury clinics are so important. They deliver integrated services from chronic disease management to older persons specialist teams to mental health and disability supports. As we all know, people are living longer, so it is important they can access services nearer to home and their communities. The Department and the HSE will continue to monitor the population trends and service requirements to ensure that urgent and emergency care services evolve to meet the needs of the people in Balbriggan. The Senator can be sure that I will be speaking to the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, on this issue. It is important that we have injury units and clinics.”
“I thank the Senator. I understand the importance of minor injury units. They are critical. This Government remains committed to ensuring patient services and safe, timely and convenient care are provided in the right place at the right time. That is so important. Last year, as I said, the injury units saw over 220,000 attendees, a 5% increase on 2024. This reflects growing public confidence in this model. Injury units continue to provide a fast and efficient pathway for non-life-threatening injuries. While, as we said, there is no plan now for a stand-alone minor injury unit for Balbriggan, the opening hours are being looked at. That is important. It is proposed that they would be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. I know what the Senator said in relation to opening new units in Tallaght, Athlone, Carlow and Ballina.”
“The Department and the HSE will continue to monitor population growth and geospatial needs to ensure that our urgent care footprint evolves in line with the needs of communities like Balbriggan. The Government and the Minister remain committed to the implementation of the national cancer strategy and to building on significant investment and progress already made in improving outcomes for patients in Ireland.”
“This review informed the 2026 national service plan, which includes new units in Tallaght, Athlone, Carlow and Ballina. In relation to the Senator's request for a minor injury hub in Balbriggan, I must advise that there are currently no plans to open an injury unit there. The focus of the 2026 service plan is on the four new units previously identified. However, the HSE continues to review expansion needs and is working to future-proof the system by standardising opening hours to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week across existing sites. Residents in Balbriggan currently have access to several options for non-life-threatening injuries, including the Mater Smithfield rapid injury clinic in Dublin 7 and Connolly Hospital emergency department, which includes a dedicated nurse-led minor injury unit.”
“The median patient experience time, PET, remains exceptionally low, at just 1.3 hours. To the end of May this year, there have been 95,803 attendances nationally, a 1% increase on the same period in 2025, and the PET has improved further to 1.2 hours. The Balbriggan primary care centre already provides a wide range of integrated services, including primary care therapies, specialist teams for older people, chronic disease management and mental health and disability services. It also hosts two GP practices and a pharmacy. The Minister is committed to expanding capacity in primary care by recruiting additional staff and supporting advanced practice roles in the community. The HSE completed a national injury unit review in 2023 to assess service levels and geographical coverage.”
“I thank Senator Clifford-Lee for raising this important issue. I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. This Government remains fully committed to delivering healthcare reform under the Sláintecare framework, ensuring that people receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time. A key part of our hospital-avoidance strategy is the continued development of injury units. Injury units provide safe, convenient care for non-life-threatening injuries such as broken bones, sprains and burns, as the Senator spoke about. They deliver the same level of care for these conditions as an emergency department, but closer to home and with significantly shorter waiting times. Last year, there were 222,697 attendances at injury units, a 5% increase on 2024.”
“Once a drug is granted marketing authorisation, we strongly encourage all pharmaceutical companies to apply for reimbursement here in Ireland and to submit fully prepared HTA dossiers in a timely fashion. That is what we need to get out there. We are always open and we want that to happen.”
“As I outlined earlier, this Government is committed to investing in medicines. Since 2021, the HSE has approved 270 new medicines or new use of existing medicines for reimbursement. The two new framework agreements have been reached with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association and Medicines for Ireland on the price and supply of medicines. It will make a difference. As part of these agreements, the State, MFI and IPHA have agreed to develop a future strategic partnership which will support the Department of Health in its development of a pilot early access programme focused on rare diseases in line with commitments in the programme for Government. I was recently in Brussels and we spoke about rare diseases. As the Minister and other Ministers have said, Ireland is always open for business.”
“I thank the Senators for highlighting this. As I said, the Minister for Health has been working and engaging with the HSE and the Departments on this. I assure them of the importance of this for patients with DMD in Ireland. It is important for families. It affects everyone. The HSE has sole statutory responsibility for making decisions on which medicines are reimbursed. The HSE continues to process and assess pricing reimbursements in applications received from a company as efficiently as possible within the resources available to it. The application remains under consideration and the HSE cannot make any commitment or possible outcomes from the outgoing process. Meetings are going on. The latest update on the process can be found on the HSE medicines tracker and on the NCPE website.”
“The HSE’s drugs group will now issue a recommendation to the HSE senior leadership team, which holds full decision-making authority on the reimbursement of a medicine. There is a lot of work ongoing. It is important, as the Senator said, that this is worked on as soon as possible. There has been a lot of engagement on this matter.”
“Following the conclusion of a rapid review on 14 August 2025, a full health technology assessment, HTA, was commissioned by the HSE on 26 August 2025. On 30 September 2025, the NCPE met Italfarmaco to assist the HTA process. The assessment of the pricing and reimbursement application for givinostat could not proceed until the full health technology assessment was received from the company on 15 January 2026. The NCPE assessment concluded on 3 March 2026. The HSE’s corporate pharmaceutical unit, the interface between the HSE and the pharmaceutical industry, held a meeting with the manufacturer on 27 March 2026. A commercial offer from Italfarmaco was then submitted to the HSE on 8 May 2026. The drugs group has met to consider the application.”
“The European Commission granted conditional marketing authorisation in this indication on 6 June 2025. This has been worked on. The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical items in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. In line with the Act, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the formal reimbursement list. The Minister met her Italian counterpart at the EPSCO Council meeting in June 2025 in Luxembourg to ask him to encourage the company to submit a timely pricing and reimbursement application to Ireland. On 6 August 2025, an application for reimbursement was received by the HSE and underwent a rapid review by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics, NCPE.”
“This level of investment is unprecedented in supporting patients through the availability of new innovative medicines. Budgets 2021 to 2025 have included dedicated funding for new medicines of €158 million. Budget 2026 allocated an additional €30 million of funding for new drugs out of €217 million in additional funding for these drugs. This has enabled the HSE to approve reimbursement for 270 new medicines or new uses for existing medicines, including over 100 for treating cancer and 74 for treating rare diseases. Givinostat was evaluated by the European Medicines Agency with a recommendation that it be granted conditional marketing authorisation for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in ambulant patients aged six years or older.”