Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

As the Taoiseach is aware, a transformation has occurred in the treatment of cancer in the past decade, with outcomes and survival rates improving. Skin cancer is very common in Ireland because the majority of people have fair skin. Over 1,200 people were diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2008 alone. Fortunately, the majority of skin cancers are treatable, but metastatic melanoma is one of the deadliest forms and more common among younger people. The latest drug - Ipi or Ipiluminab - is highly successful in treating this type of melanoma. It is the most significant breakthrough drug to be produced in 30 years for the treatment of serious skin cancers and has been classified as twice as effective as the nearest competitor drug. Nevertheless, it is not being provided or funded by the Minister or the Department of Health. This is despite the fact that the National Cancer Control Programme recommended to the HSE in January that the drug be made available. It has been approved by the European drugs agency. Irish clinicians have confirmed that the delay is having devastating consequences for Irish patients with advanced melanoma. There are at least 16 patients awaiting the drug treatment, some of whom have articulated their frustration, despair and disbelief on Joe Duffy's "Liveline" programme that the health service is denying access to the drug. The treatment is available in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Austria and other European countries. How many patients must die before the Government will sanction use of the drug in the health service?

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