Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I think we were using a shorter name at the time. At the start we were told it could not be administered because it was too expensive. Then the Minister went into negotiation with the company and the price came down. I understand that is what we want. If I or someone belonging to me or someone I know had skin cancer would that person be prescribed the drug that he or she needs, or a cheaper one? I am sorry that Senator Crown is not present today. Are we going to give cheap drugs for the sake of it? I would like a guarantee that patients will get the most up-to-date, advanced drugs to treat cancer. I am talking about serious health problems. The same applies to epilepsy. I want a guarantee that it will not be done on the cheap and that patients will get the drugs they need.