James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am very concerned with regard to matters relating to quality assurance in respect of medical devices. Patient safety is a major issue, as is that relating to people being in a position to vindicate their rights. I am in absolute agreement with Deputy Kelleher in this regard. The point regarding food for infants actually relates to regulations to make such food safer. I believe our Cypriot colleagues may guide the relevant legislation through the Parliament prior to the end of their Presidency. This is not certain but if they do so, the onus will no longer be on us to have it passed.

Deputy Ó Caoláin referred to our initiating debate on matters that are of concern to us. There are two issues on which I wish to focus in this regard, namely, autism and the effect of the economic downturn on health services across the EU. I am of the view that these issues warrant debate. With all the economies of Europe under pressure, we must try to protect health services. By doing this, we will hasten the economic upturn. It is necessary to have a healthy workforce in order to have a healthy economy.

In respect of Senator Crown's points, from a professional point of view I would love to see a complete ban on tobacco sales in the EU by 2030. I will certainly explore whether such a goal is achievable with the Senator and others during our Presidency. The data protection proposal to which he alluded will also be examined in the first half of next year. Europe is very aware of the fact that we are losing out in terms of clinical trials as a result of the red tape which obtains. This legislation does not just relate to economic benefits, it also relates to reducing the level of red tape while improving and enhancing patient safety. I always welcome the opportunity to highlight the benefits of being involved in clinical trials from the patient's perspective. Not only does one obtain access to cutting-edge medicines, one is also subjected to a level of supervision not normally associated with course of treatment in the general health services of any country. These are two benefits which we should promote, particularly in the context of people's willingness to become involved in such trials.