Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply. I welcome the initiatives commenced this year, in particular the review committee established in June but it is important a timeline is put in place for completion and publication of that review.

It is also important that these drugs are affordable and that the State is not in hock to, or taken advantage of by, the large pharmaceutical companies. Crucially, the people who need these drugs need them now because they may not be around in two years' time when they become available.

As I said, it is important the initiative announced earlier in the year is progressed more quickly such that if a new disease is identified and an adult or child needs drugs that will be of huge benefit to them, they can access them. I ask the Minister of State to ensure that a timeframe is set for completion of that initiative such that the process can be more efficient going forward.

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