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

I thank the Deputy for his championing, along with Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan, of new drugs, or orphan drugs as they are called, in particular for rare diseases.

It has been a huge issue for many people across the country and globally. The REV Estimates have additional funding allocated to the Department of Health in respect of new drugs and therapies. There is a nexus between new developments, clinical trials and advancements in the treatment of conditions. We cannot do that if we do not trial them and work in a proper context to develop new technologies. Additional funding is now being made available to ensure there is a sufficient budget for the rare disease area, orphan drugs and new drugs generally.

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