Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change) | Oireachtas source

In May, there was a report on the two-tier system for cancer treatment, the issue being the two-year difference in the approval times for reimbursement of new cancer drugs of the public and private systems. As I said at the time, there should be no differences in people's ability to gain access to life-saving treatment based on how much money they have. I am sure the Minister of State agrees. Professor Michaela Higgins, president of the Irish Society for Medical Oncology, has stated,

"It means we know we are prescribing medication for our patients that are proven to be less effective and to provide them with a poorer chance of survival and, in some cases, a poorer quality of life."

When I raised the issue with the Taoiseach, he said he would make a direct inquiry to Professor Higgins on this matter and get back to me. He has not done so. What was the result of the inquiries and what does the Government plan to do to end the two-tier system of cancer treatment?

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