Ms Averil Power:

There are a number of issues. At a high level, the target set in the national cancer strategy for clinical trials is 6% which is incredibly modest compared with better performing cancer services that are research active in other EU states. The most recent figure we have is that it is at about 2%. With a strategy that is due to expire in 2026, even getting to 6% looks unlikely at this point despite the efforts by individual institutions. Not having a proper investment in research infrastructure and hospitals matters because we know that patients do better in research-active environments. We know the trials also provide access to new medicines in a much cheaper way for the State and that potential is not being met. There is also a broader issue in terms of access to new medicines and how far behind Ireland is in European terms.

Professor Kennedy might wish to talk about some of the challenges on the ground.