Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I cannot give Deputy Burton an answer to her question because I do not have that information, but I will find out for her. We have discussed previously the opening of a theatre which was paid for by the taxpayer for some years but which has not been opened. On the previous occasion on which this was raised, my understanding was that the appropriate and qualified personnel would be there to commence performing operations. Let us find out. I will come back to Deputy Burton on that.

Deputy Micheál Martin raised the question of health policy. It has always been accepted that Orkambi is a game-changer in the sense of improving the quality of life of patients with cystic fibrosis. The problem lay with the price being demanded by the company involved. This is one of the most expensive drugs ever in the history of the State. The pharmacoeconomics group met the company. As Deputies are aware, a change has taken place whereby the group makes a recommendation on whether a given cost is valid. The Minister proceeded to make contact with other Ministers in other countries where similar problems have arisen. In any event, I am pleased the matter has been resolved. It was never a case of not recognising that Orkambi is a valid drug for improving the quality of life for patients. Cost was the issue. The earlier exchange was on looking at the process. This is not confined to Ireland. If this is the first case in Europe of having a portfolio of drugs that provide certainty and stability for patients, then that is probably the way to go. It may well reduce the cost over a five or ten-year period. While Orkambi and Kalydeco will cost a substantial amount of money over ten years, they give that certainty and emotional support for patients who suffer from cystic fibrosis.

I agree with the various speakers that cystic fibrosis patients have an exceptional commitment to dealing with their particular challenges. I am pleased that in recent years we have had public expenditure in cystic fibrosis units at various locations throughout the country. The improvement in the air quality in these centres - the air is changed so many times every hour - adds greatly to their comfort and ability to go to the next day and so on. In that sense I am pleased this matter has been resolved. I hope the Minister for Health will now be able to move on to other drugs companies and discuss portfolios of drugs for particular categories of patients who need them.

Deputy Micheál Martin spoke to me before about the mental health situation. I know he is concerned about it. I will give the Deputy an update from the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, on where we stand, what money is being spent and on what it is being spent in order that we can see whether we can progress that matter.

Deputy Brady referred to Professor Keane. Obviously, he did his job with the cancer centres of excellence. That was a difficult issue for many hospitals. I disagree with Deputy Brady's suggestion that there is anything like a total systems failure. The vast majority of people who have gone through the public health system have nothing but credit and praise to offer in respect of those who work in the system. In many cases, staff are working under pressure. A total of €14.6 billion has been allocated for 2017 - up €1 billion on last year. We can see how issues can intervene in that in the light of the Orkambi and Kalydeco question.

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