Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

It is a considerable sum. Senator MacSharry asked about the product selection, monitoring and advisory board. This board has been working effectively since it was established in 2001 and there are no plans to change that arrangement. Heretofore IBTS has taken its advice as required and St. James's will be similarly required to heed its advice under the new arrangement.

Senator Norris asked about the number of people affected by haemophilia. While only males contract haemophilia, it is passed through female family members. Females can also suffer from a range of other clotting factor conditions, including Von Willebrand disease. This explains the numbers, although they are surprisingly high. We do not hear as much about Von Willebrand disease as we do about haemophilia.

Senator O'Keeffe asked about the reclassification of these products as medicines. The legislation enables St. James's to purchase new products as they become available. The Irish Medicines Board licences any new medicines that come onto the market in this country.

The Bill will enable the procurement of these products to be undertaken in the most cost-efficient and effective way without compromising quality and safety. People with haemophilia and other coagulation disorders can be reassured that the contractor for these products must take the advice of national experts on products available before it enters into contracts. Clinicians at St James's Hospital and other haemophilia centres are kept up to date on international developments in haemophilia through the National Haemophilia Council and the product selection and monitoring advisory board. I am very pleased to support this legislation and to conclude its Second Stage in the Seanad.