This document discusses Rare Disease Day 2016 and issues surrounding access to orphan drugs (ODs) in Ireland. It notes that the Irish health system requires its own solution for ODs and decisions often take a long time due to high budget impacts. It is unknown how ODs are assessed, prescribed, and monitored in Ireland. The document advocates for a separate Irish assessment system that incorporates patient perspectives and costs of not treating. It acknowledges active partnerships between patient groups and agencies to improve health technology assessments and access to ODs in Ireland.