James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

It will be made as soon as is practicable. That is all I can say. In the case of some of these drugs, it is not as simple as making a decision today, following which it will be available immediately. There are other things that have to be done and the position is different in the case of each drug. There is a major responsibility on everybody to be involved, not just policymakers and politicians but also clinicians who prescribe these drugs and the drug companies that produce them. No matter how well the economy is doing, we have limited resources and have to prioritise in how we accommodate a new drug. Other drugs have to make room for it within the pot. This means that they have to drop in price. That is only right and proper. Clinicians need to engage, as do patient groups, as well as policymakers and politicians.

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