Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I accept there were a number of issues on which the Irish Cancer Society campaigned in advance of the budget. I recognise it welcomed some of the measures in the budget. It welcomed the fact we heard their call regarding a rise in the price of cigarettes, which was supported throughout the House. It also welcomed the extension of the HPV vaccine to boys and the reduction in medication costs, although it and I want to do more in this regard. I accept it also highlighted very much, as the Deputy has done very eloquently, the impact, albeit capped, that large costs can have on somebody at a very vulnerable moment in his or her life. We know the burdens of cancer, not just the medical and psychological burdens but also the financial burden. I recognise this. What I am trying to say is that in addressing this burden I want to try to do so in a way that is not disease specific but recognises the fact there has to be an equity of access, and there are many people with a wide range of disease and illness who find themselves going to our hospitals quite a lot. I would like to use the work we are doing through the Sláintecare implementation plan to look at how best we reduce those charges. I will certainly look at the Irish Cancer Society's submission in this context.

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