Veoza offers an alternative to HRT for women at menopause. It is a game-changer for so many, especially those for whom HRT is contraindicated. These are typically cancer survivors for whom hormone therapies are just not an option. Veoza was introduced into Ireland early last year and costs approximately €80 per month for the women using it. The pharmacoeconomic assessment has been ongoing since last spring. The Minister of State will be aware that Ireland has one of the slower processes across Europe for approving qualifying new drugs. Many other countries have approved the use of Veoza, and GPs are currently prescribing Veoza in Ireland as well. At €80 per month that is a difficult cost. When it is not included in the drugs payment scheme, DPS, that €80 is over and above any other medical cost the person may have. Many of these people have already fought cancer and may have other medication costs associated with that. The €80 payment for Veoza each month is over and above the costs of those medicines. Some people may choose to take a non-hormone option, but for a limited number of people it is the only option. It is the only route available to them. When there is only a limited number of people, that means a limited cost to the State on the DPS. Studies have shown the dramatic quality of life improvement for those who are using Veoza. Symptoms reduced as quickly as within the first week. Since the pharmacoeconomic assessment commenced last spring, there has been a significant policy advancement for women with menopause care with the introduction of the free HRT in the this year's budget and implemented last week. That made a drug option available from the State to people for menopause care. Is this policy decision feeding into the pharmacoeconomic assessment? Surely it is, as it would be a significant change in policy since the assessment commenced. It would surely add to the case for approving Veoza on the drugs payment scheme. I mentioned that in Ireland we would have a slower process for approving new drugs under the DPS. Is there an indicative timeline for the pharmacoeconomic assessment? If there is not, will the Minister of State's officials raise it with the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics to get a direction? Each month this goes on, this is an added cost for the women who are waiting. Has the Minister of State also examined the possibility of Veoza being included in a variant of the free HRT scheme?
Sentiment score: 0.06
While the assessment is ongoing, this is costing €80 each month for women who do not an alternative option available to them. It has been a constructive move to get free HRT available to people. However, it is almost like it is dangling out there and there is a cohort of women who are not able to avail of it and damn it they have already had a hell of a challenge seeing off their cancer. It does not make to have a game-changer drug available and just not made available. We have what appears to be one of slowest processes for approving new drugs under the DPS. There must be some way of improving that and making drugs available in a more timely manner, especially when we see that the same drugs are being approved in other states across Europe. These women have seen off their cancer but because of their medical condition, they do not have the option to go for HRT. This other option is almost available to them. It is available to women who can afford to pay the €80 over and above the DPS threshold. Is there a way of prioritising it? Is there any indication of a timeline for approval? Will the Minister of State raise that with his officials and give some guidance to women across the country who would avail of Veoza?
Sentiment score: 0.02
The next Topical Issue listed for debate is in the name of Deputy Kelly and it is to discuss the need for greater for greater investment to resource An Garda Síochána with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.
Sentiment score: 0.81
The floor is yours, Deputy.
Sentiment score: 0.00
What we can do is to raise it with the Ceann Comhairle for the next round of Topical Issues, if the Deputy so wishes.
Sentiment score: 0.28
Our options are limited.
Sentiment score: -0.23
I want to make sure the Deputy gets a fair go at it.
Sentiment score: 0.60
We can raise it with the Ceann Comhairle in the morning and ask that the Deputy be accommodated in raising the matter as quickly as can be facilitated. Whether that is in the morning or on Thursday will be a decision for the Ceann Comhairle.
Sentiment score: 0.01
I will not pre-empt what the Ceann Comhairle is going to do, but we can raise the matter with her because I want to give the Deputy-----
Sentiment score: 0.15
Does the Deputy want me to raise it with the Ceann Comhairle to be included in the morning?
Sentiment score: 0.08
Is that fair enough?
Sentiment score: 0.32
I want to make sure the Deputy gets the opportunity. We will raise the matter with the Ceann Comhairle to ensure that he does. I thank the Deputy for his patience.
Sentiment score: 0.47