Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have written to the Minister for Health, Deputy Leo Varadkar, about a new drug for the treatment of cystic fibrosis called Orkambi which yesterday was approved by the EU Medicines Agency. We have been very slow to give effect in Ireland to EU approvals. This is a ground-breaking drug for CF sufferers that has been shown in America to extend life expectancy and improve quality of life for those who suffer from cystic fibrosis. In the past few years I have spoken about Fampyra, a drug for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. It took 18 months to have it put on the list. It seems we spend an inordinate length of time in giving effect to EU approvals. I have also written to the chief executive of the Health Service Executive, asking for a timeframe in giving effect to the EU approval of this drug. Cystic fibrosis is a very debilitating condition and anything that can be brought forward to improve people’s quality of life and extend life expectancy should be brought forward. Will the Leader raise this issue with the Minister to find out what the timeline is to have this drug put on shelves here?

We might have a chance to speak to the Minister today, particularly in the light of the 92% vote in favour of industrial action by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. Considered objectively, the health service has descended into chaos. This year up to 80,000 patients have been on trolleys for a period of over 24 hours and that figure will have reached over 100,000 by the end of the year, which will be a record. Waiting lists are extending. Outpatient lists in Dublin have increased by 400%, yet the Minister reacts to this as if he were an independent commentator, as opposed to the person charged with responsibility for management of the health system. I want him to engage immediately. For nurses this is not about additional pay but working conditions and the additional nurses required. The Minister only reacts when there is a crisis. There is no forward planning or leadership on his part. It is about time he came into this House and answered for his tenure in the Department of Health, particularly given we are coming into the winter months when the situation will become more acute. How many 80 year olds and 90 year olds need to spend two days sitting in a chair in Beaumont Hospital or Tallaght Hospital for the Minister to listen? I met an 84 year old constituent last weekend who had spent 36 hours sitting on a chair. I wrote a complaint to the Minister in that regard. It is not that nurses and doctors want this to happen but they do not have the appropriate resources.

The Minister offers sympathy and a bit of apple pie. He says it is terrible and desperate and that he would love it to be better. He is the Minister in control. He is in charge. It is his responsibility.