Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

It is being rejected outright, without any constructive engagement whatsoever. That leaves a lot to be desired.

In 2008, over 1,200 people were diagnosed with melanomas in Ireland. Senator Crown presented evidence on drugs such as Ipilimumab, which can improve the life expectancy of such patients. A new drug that has been developed for the treatment of prostate cancer was rejected outright on the grounds of cost-effectiveness by the National Centre for Pharmoeconomics. Who are these people? Can they answer to the families of patients who have been refused very important drugs? These people are not responsible to the public which is why I believe that passing the onus of responsibility to a Government Minister would be much more prudent.

It is regrettable that this Bill is not being accepted in a constructive, bipartisan manner, in order to pave the way for amendments to be tabled, if desired, in this or the other House on Committee Stage.