Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

A number of friends and acquaintances of mine have died during the years from melanoma, an horrific ailment to contract. The Minister for Health, Deputy Jame Reilly, is in negotiations with the drugs companies on a range of new drugs deemed either to be preventive or life-saving across a broad spectrum. There is a process to be followed in releasing drugs to the market. Ipiluminab is on release in the United Kingdom on trial, but was refused in Australia. The cost estimate per person is approximately €85,000. I have spoken to the Minister as the matter was raised previously and he is confident of securing a conclusion to the negotiations in the not too distant future. On the consequences of treating persons with the drug, the evidence is that for one in ten there is a really good reprieve, depending on circumstances, while in other cases, there is a shorter term reprieve. I am glad the Deputy has raised the matter and the Minister is well aware of the interest in the drug and the consequences of its use. There is an issue of the cost involved and the Minister is negotiating with the relevant companies. I understand a conclusion will be reached quickly, allowing the drug to be released to the market.

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