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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Fampridine access for MS sufferers

Summary

Senator Darragh O’Brien seeks an urgent decision on funding fampridine, which costs €270 monthly and could preserve mobility for people with multiple sclerosis; procedural interruptions concern displaying a ballot paper.

Has the Leader received an update from the Minister for Health on the multiple sclerosis drug, fampridine - Fampyra - which has still not been assessed by the Department of Health? Many sufferers of MS cannot access the drug which could change their lives and give them back their mobility. I do not take issue with the Leader, but I am sick to the back teeth of writing to the Department of Health on the issue. People are losing their mobility and independence. The cost of the drug is €270 a month. Surely to God an urgent decision could be made on it.

I wish to follow up on what my colleague, Senator Thomas Byrne, said about the unprecedented events of the past week. We all received our ballot papers for the imminent Seanad by-election by registered post yesterday.

Comment on this
Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

It is not in order to display a ballot paper in the Chamber.

Comment on this

I am holding a ballot paper for the Seanad by-election.

Comment on this
Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

The Senator should not display it in the Chamber.

Comment on this

I do not see the problem with displaying it.

Comment on this
Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

We do not display documents in the Chamber.

Comment on this

I know that the Government does not want to discuss the issue.

Comment on this
Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

One is not allowed to display anything in the Chamber.

Comment on this