Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Martin that the system we have had here for many years is not up to speed in the context of major new drugs that are approved by the FDA and similar authorities. Furthermore, being a small country, we do not have the financial reach to be able to provide for all new drugs that come on stream very quickly. The case made by the Deputy about melanoma is one of many such cases. I received a letter from a major pharmaceutical company recently about a number of drugs that are produced by the company that are not used in Ireland but which are exported around the world.

The recent situation in respect of Orkambi is instructive here. Orkambi is exceptionally expensive, for very good reasons. In that context, we had international collaboration looking at the whole question of the priorities attached to drugs, how they should be funded and the relevant costs that should apply. Rather than proceeding alone, as one country, this is the way to go in the future. In collaboration with a number of other countries, significant reductions were brought about in the cost of that particular drug, together with an analysis of the improvement in the quality of life that the drug would actually provide for cystic fibrosis sufferers.

The process in respect of melanoma is under way in the HSE and the relevant agencies. The point Deputy Martin makes is that we are not in a position to provide ultra modern drugs that come on the scene which clearly bring about serious improvements in the lives of patients suffering from various ailments. I was struck by the fact that no sooner was the decision made, money provided and an agreement reached for Orkambi, another 35 to 40 new drugs were being named as coming on stream for different ailments, many of which were also very expensive.

We need to look nationally at the scale of what we provide for drug purchase in respect of a range of ailments, and internationally at whether we can collaborate with other countries on the purchase of modern drugs for specialised ailments, including various forms of cancer. Perhaps that is the way to go. I am quite sure there is a measure of agreement across the House on these matters. As the Deputy is aware, we do not have an endless pit of money. I think we can improve the way we deal with the provision of drugs, thereby leaving aside the priority attached to the drugs for which we can actually provide money.

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