Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Another particular bone of contention is the issue of new and orphan drugs. They are being checked and passed for use in the EU and a second check is done here, which delays availability to patients. Does the Irish Pharmacy Union have a particular position on this? Cystic fibrosis patients and a number of other patients suffering from various illnesses see the availability of a drug which is readily available in other jurisdictions being held up here because of a debate or dispute between the Department or the HSE and the suppliers, based on cost. Does the IPU have a position that could unlock the problems that have beset us for the last several years? I do not wish to discuss the individual people at this stage.