I want to raise an issue with the Minister that I have often raised in this House and which has also been raised by colleagues such as Deputies Aylward and Calleary. It is the plight of 25 children who are suffering from SMA. Their condition deteriorates but there is hope in a drug called Spinraza. We have raised the issue time and again and the Minister has rightly stated that there is an assessment process. However, the families involved feel helpless and believe they are voiceless and have been left behind while the process is ongoing.

They had hoped there would be a resolution to this before Christmas and there has not been. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, who replied to me previously indicating that a proposal would be brought to the HSE leadership team in February. I need the Minister of State to assure us that this will happen and that a conclusion will be brought to this. Every day one of the few parents contacts me, desperate for a solution to this. It is a small group of people and they genuinely feel voiceless and helpless. I appeal to the Minister of State to ensure the recommendation is brought forward, and perhaps he could indicate when that team is due to meet.

I wish to add my voice to this matter, which has been ongoing. There are parents in my constituency in Kilkenny who consistently make representations to me on this issue. It is time for the Government to give us an answer on when this drug will be available. It has been pushed down the road and these parents have children who are suffering. They need this drug sooner rather than later. Will the Minister of State please move this forward and give us a definite reply?

I thank the Deputies for their interest in this issue and their persistence in raising it. I can confirm that the HSE leadership management team will meet on 14 February at which it is hoped it will to come to a final decision on this. That is not to say the drug will be made available after that date. It is not within my gift to make it available, but it is hoped a decision will emerge from that meeting on 14 February.