Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Four months ago a decision was taken to approve the drug, Spinraza, for children suffering from spinal muscular atrophy, SMA. Deputy Ó Caoláin, in fairness to him, organised a cross-party presentation by families affected by this degenerative condition, which affects young children and other young people. Their hopes were lifted when that decision was taken in June, but that hope has evaporated for many families because four months on, only three of the 25 have been given the treatment. This is a rare condition, as the Taoiseach knows. It is very cruel to raise the hopes of people facing a significant chronic condition such as this that the drug will be approved and then do nothing to follow through on that decision. It is very hard and very cruel and it is causing real anguish to the families.

See this speech in context