Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with both Deputies that the patients deserve better. I do not think anyone could disagree. It is important to note, first, that everyone is back on the drug in the sense that the drug is being supplied. I reiterate my absolute sympathy to the families of the two people who have passed away. This trial was and is a clinical trial by the company and while it is this drug today it will be another drug next week. It is this group of patients today but it will be another group of patients next week. There are rule books and there are ethical ways for a company to engage. For a company to set up a clinical trial completely independent of the health service in any country and then abruptly end it, saying that is it for those patients, is not the way to treat patients who help develop its drug and product which ultimately makes it a profit. That is not just my view. There is also the Helsinki declaration. There has to be rules of engagement in terms of how a company behaves ethically in this country. I appreciate that both Deputies agree with that. I also appreciate that it does not help the patient sitting at home today, wondering if he or she will be on the drug in six months time.

As far as I can tell, it is unprecedented for the HSE to take this step and fund the nurse administration. They are doing so, recognising the seriousness of the situation. I reiterate that there is now a period of time available and that I would like the drug company and the HSE to engage to try to find a way forward that will provide certainty and clarity for that patient group. I will undertake to continue to liaise with Deputies Kelly and Brassill. I ask that as much focus, effort and responsibility is placed on the drug company as is on the HSE because it takes two parties to result in a successful negotiation.

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