Between one in 100 and one in 200 women will suffer from hyperemesis during pregnancy, a debilitating condition that causes extreme levels of nausea and vomiting. The national guidelines for the treatment of hyperemesis specifically refer to the drug Cariban as the first stage in its treatment algorithm. However, in Ireland, there is a complete lack of affordability when it comes to Cariban. A treatment can cost up to, and more than, €3,000 over the course of a pregnancy.

I have asked several parliamentary questions on the issue. The reason given for the high cost and lack of support was always that Cariban is an unlicensed drug and, therefore, not available under the drugs payment scheme or medical card. An exemption can be applied in exceptional circumstances for unlicensed drugs in Ireland, but it has recently been reported that Cariban is considered a food supplement rather than a medical product. The medicines management programme has been tasked with looking into this matter. What is the timeline? When will it report back? Will the Government put in place exceptional arrangements now to fund the drug in individual cases? People with hyperemesis cannot wait.

I am not familiar with that particular medicine, but I am familiar with hyperemesis gravida and how serious and debilitating an illness it can be. I will certainly check with the Minister for Health to see if we can do anything to speed up a decision in that regard.