Mr. Shaun Flanagan:

It is very hard to answer a question which the HSE is required to answer on an objective basis in a subjective way, which is basically what the Senator is asking me to do. From this side of the table, we would love to be able to provide access to every medicine. We do not like saying no. I personally hate saying no, but that is how it is. We are required to arrive objectively at a decision on every medicine. The Oireachtas has put in place legislation which requires us to arrive objectively at decisions, using the criteria in that legislation. The HSE did that with Translarna. I accept that people do not like the decision. I accept that other people may feel that the decision is wrong, but the HSE has done its best to arrive at an honest decision in the context of the Health Act.