Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I presume the Minister knew that this question would be asked in some shape or form. I agree that the system is broken. What happened in the context of provision and of arriving at this point was a joke; it was farcical and embarrassing. It was embarrassing for the Minister and for us, as politicians. The process by means of which these drugs are accredited was also embarrassing. I refer to the need to go from Billy to Jack and then back to the Department, which was just laughable. The letters that were written in respect of this issue are laughable.

I agree with the Minister that the issue must be addressed. We can work with him on it. Unfortunately, or fortunately, the process to which I refer is in place and will be until we, collectively, take action to change it. The issue is that a commitment was given in July, basically on foot of media and political pressure. Everyone knows that these drugs are a necessity, and, based on the cost, they have already been approved. One of the drugs is absolutely essential and cost-neutral in nature. As far as I am concerned, the announcement in July was a false announcement. Today is the first time that I have heard the date of 1 November mentioned. The announcement was made, to great fanfare, in July. I was discussing this issue live on "Today with Sean O'Rourke" when the statement announcing that this matter was going to be dealt with was issued. That has happened. What happened in the remaining weeks of July and in August, September and October? The announcement was made but, from a profiling point of view, there was no intention of providing funding until the last month or two of the year.