Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As Deputy Martin knows, this was not a decision taken by the Government. It was a decision taken by the medicines management programme, which is made up of clinicians. It was a clinical decision made on the appropriate use of Versatis, a patch that had been used for conditions it was not previously meant to be used for. We were actually spending more and using more in this country than the entire United Kingdom.

The Deputy is making a point about compassion for people for whom this medication was providing clear pain relief. I wish to make the point that there is an appeals process. Already, general practitioners can apply using an online system to have the application assessed. That is turned around within two days. Hundreds of people have been put back on the patches as a result of it. It is important that we follow clinical advice and that we let our policy on medication be decided by doctors rather than radio shows.

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