Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I do not entirely accept the veracity of the Taoiseach's reply. One of the country's great strengths was its facilitation of breakthrough drugs, particularly in oncology and cardiology. We are known for having this strength because breakthrough drugs become commonplace in time. The European drugs agency approved this treatment across Europe last July and the drug is available in the United Kingdom and Holland, the home of the universal health insurance scheme which the Taoiseach has lauded. Patients have been denied access to it for too long.

Through the National Cancer Control Programme we have radically changed the provision of advanced cancer care. Access to breakthrough drugs, even in clinical trials, forms a critical part of that approach in seeking better outcomes and survival rates. Senator John Crown, a cancer specialist, is on record confirming the efficacy of this treatment among his patients. Will the Taoiseach intervene to ensure the drug is made available and that the policy environment and framework will encourage the use of breakthrough drugs in the proper context? This is the best way to ensure even better outcomes and survival rates for Irish patients in the weeks, months and years to come.

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