Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

If the Senator does not like what I am saying, tough, but this is the reality. The one phrase that is missing is "unconstitutional", which is the usual response from Ministers to this side of the House. I have immense regard for the Minister of State but I know she did not write the script. I doubt if she believes much of what she has said. If people were to examine the Bill with a cold eye, they may see imperfections in it, but why not allow it go to Committee Stage? It does not seek to set up in any shape or form an inequitable treatment for cancer sufferers above and beyond that provided to others. It simply tries to legislate for speedier access to drugs approved by the European Medicines Agency for those suffering from cancer, which is one of the most prevalent diseases and affects every family. As Senator MacSharry said in regard to skin cancer drugs, it removes the public outcry element where people have to fight tooth and nail to get drugs they know are available in other EU countries. This is not rocket science and it leaves the final decision with the Minister. The Minister of State said, "Furthermore, a Bill on the pricing and supply of medicines will shortly be brought before the House." When? Do we have a date for it?