John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to speak briefly on the Clotting Factor Concentrates and Other Biological Concentrates Bill 2012. I concur with the previous speaker in regard to the sensitive issues that arise. When the debate on Second Stage commenced this morning, the Gallery was filled with secondary school students. The events which led to the establishment of the Lindsay tribunal occurred while I was in secondary school. A number of women found themselves in a particularly harrowing situation when they suffered severe damage to their health after being infected by inferior and contaminated blood products. I acknowledge the good work done by Judge Lindsay in that tribunal, the findings of which led to the establishment of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, IBTS. The Bill transfers responsibility for procuring the national stock of clotting factor products from the IBTS to St. James's Hospital, which is the home for the hereditary coagulation disorders unit and the national haemophilia centre.

While this is an important and sensitive issue, significant savings can be achieved for the State. The most important issue is the health and welfare of those who rely on clotting factor products. They are dependent on the arms of the State in dealing with their serious illnesses. We must do everything we can to ensure their safety. However, it also will be possible to save money by reducing outgoings on these products.

In dealing with the costs of health service procurement, the most important issue is retaining front line services, whether for haemophiliacs or those who suffer from other illnesses. Procurement costs are a significant part of the HSE's budget and if savings can be found in this area, I do not see why similar savings cannot be found elsewhere. The Department is aware of the potential for savings on health expenditure, particularly given that we are unlikely to be able to increase funding for health care in coming years. Services could be maintained at the necessary standard by finding savings in procurement and other areas.

I support the Bill because all the stakeholders have agreed to the transfer of this service and it will lead to significant savings for the Exchequer and the HSE.

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