John Crown (Independent)

Will the Leader bring to the Minister's attention my extreme concern that he makes right decision? Apparently, the decision has been handed to him regarding the approval of the use of this drug in the treatment of patients with malignant melanoma. A recent expert committee, comprising four oncologists and three bureaucrats, convened on this and the oncologists all said the drug needed to be approved while the bureaucrats all said "No". I was informed by the VHI yesterday that it will not cover its use either. The country could experience a problem in the next while with this disease, which is relevant to between 40 and 60 patients per annum. The drug offers them the prospect of a good outcome. When we pay €10 million a year to the Health Information and Quality Authority, which has not saved one life but which has a large, muscular public relations department, I believe we have some problem with our priorities.