The HSE is being asked to fast track its assessment of a new multiple sclerosis (MS) drug, which has had a major impact on the lives of people affected by the condition.

MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system, which causes a gradual degeneration of the nerves. This results in a progressive deterioration in various functions controlled by the nervous system, such as vision, speech and movement.

It is Ireland's most common disabling neurological condition, affecting some 8,000 people here.

The drug, Fampyra, is made by Biogen and is not currently available on the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme.

The GMS scheme helps people to pay for their prescription medicines via a number of ways, including the medical card scheme, which sees people pay €2.50 per prescribed item, and the Drug Payment Scheme, which limits the amount that individuals and families without medical cards have to spend on prescribed drugs in any calendar month.

Biogen previously applied for inclusion in the GMS scheme but was refused. Following this, it made the drug available to some MS sufferers on a trial basis free of charge. However, this trial is due to end later this month.

According to Fine Gael TDs and members of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Jerry Buttimer and Regina Doherty, Fampyra ‘has had a transformative effect' on these patients' lives and they are now ‘very concerned about how they will deteriorate when the drug trial ends'.

Biogen has since reapplied for inclusion in the GMS scheme, which would allow the State to cover the cost of providing the drug to patients.

Deputies Buttimer and Doherty are now calling on the Health Minister, Dr James Reilly, to ‘ensure that the HSE fast tracks the application process so MS sufferers can be put at ease about the supply of their medication'.

"Fampyra has had a huge impact on the lives of patients with a certain strain of MS. It helps with mobility and walking speed, and also has an impact on hand function, allowing those with the disease to carry out routine functions much more easily.

"While it is encouraging that the manufacturer has resubmitted its application for inclusion on the GMS, I would also call on the company to continue to provide the drug free of charge until the situation is resolved," Deputy Buttimer said.