Eamonn Maloney (Dublin South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am in agreement with the Minister. I am on the record, as a member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children, as stating that the taxpayer should not be held to ransom by the pharmaceutical companies, as we have been in the past. I hope this is a view all Members hold. These companies exist and operate to make as much money as possible, and that is their primary concern.

I remember a discussion in the health committee with the Minister's predecessor in regard to attempts that were to be made on a European-wide basis to try to control the cost of drugs, which I believe would be an effective way of doing this.

In reference to the Minister's last paragraph, I do not expect him to prejudice what the HSE may decide, but can he provide any information that may give comfort to those living with this condition as to when the assessment may be done?

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