Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I would also like to congratulate the Minister of State. This is very important legislation, as everyone in the House agrees. I would also like to commend the Minister of State for her openness in accepting the suggestions of Senator MacSharry, some of which are worthy of consideration, particularly with regard to section 20. We live in the age of the Internet and very few patients today who go into a doctor's surgery depend solely on the expertise of the medical profession in the way that they might have done 20 or 30 years ago. People are very aware that certain drugs are available and it is important that when they approach the medical system, they know they are getting the best possible consideration. This is particularly the case for patients suffering from cystic fibrosis and other serious illnesses. It is important that there is openness, transparency and clarity as to why drugs are or are not available to patients. I welcome the Minister's openness to considering that matter further.