Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The reason I raised this issue is because I have seen the direct impact on two families in Drogheda and Galway whom I know very well. The way in which the community in Drogheda has responded has, like other communities across the country, been phenomenal in terms of fund raising and the staff who provide the treatment regimen in Crumlin are a credit to the health service.

However, I raise the issue because I get the sense that diagnoses of this condition are on the rise. It is legitimate to inquire into how the State intends to manage neuroblastoma if it is becoming more prevalent. Funding will be particularly challenging in the absence of a comprehensive strategy on the part of the HSE to provide new or evolving treatments. The Minister of State will be aware of the types of treatment currently available in the United States. Many of these treatments are still under trial but their efficacy has been well proven. It has been drawn to my attention that a number of treatments have success rates of 100% in dealing with recurrence or relapse. It is imperative that the Department of Health and the HSE develop strategies and support mechanisms for families who are currently compelled to raise significant funds to give their children the best chance at life.

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