Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

My conscience tells me that there is much in the prepared script by which we must abide. Equally, it also informs me that there is a great deal of common sense in some of the points raised in the script. We cannot simply abdicate our responsibility in respect of drugs. It is not just about the economics. As the Senator outlined, there are other matters which arise. I agree that there is nothing malicious about the Bill, the intention behind which is to ensure the best possible service would be available.

Each country must retain the responsibility for constraining or discontinuing the use of a drug if safety concerns arise, if off-label use is not in line with best clinical practice or if a more cost-effective therapy enters the market. It should be remembered that only a few weeks ago a major pharmaceutical company in the United States was fined almost $3 billion for its business practices in the context of how it marketed its products.

When the HSE's NCCP was established in 2007, it aimed to ensure people with cancer would be treated in designated cancer centres where they would be managed by multidisciplinary teams with expertise in surgery, radiation oncology and medical oncology in order to optimise diagnosis and treatment. International evidence shows that such a programme provides the best outcomes. The regime of treatment for complex cancers involves careful assessment of all options and continued monitoring of patients throughout their cancer journey. I am sure the Senator is aware of that fact.