Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for coming before the joint committee this morning. I concur with Deputy O'Reilly on the specific drug Respreeza. I too have a constituent whose life is on hold. She is going from month to month. The uncertainty of her future is really taking toll on her life. It is important for us all to remember that behind every case there is a person and a family. No monetary value can be put on that. It is important that remains in our mind the whole time. I would welcome comments on Respreeza.

The process of reimbursement for drugs seems broken. Do the witnesses agree with me? Ireland has become one of the worst countries in western Europe for speed of access to new medicines. Why has this happened? Other countries are clearly serving patients better. Professor Barry referred to a number of other countries and the differences in processing. At the same time, I feel we are being left behind.

The pricing of drugs is the same as 14 other countries but yet spending on pharmaceuticals in Ireland is significantly below the average, with Ireland spending 13% compared to the OECD average of 16%. Do the witnesses consider there is an issue for the Government to consider more funding for drugs?