Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the point made by Senator Máire Devine on the call from the leading oncologist, Dr. David Fennelly, on trialling the drug, Pembrolizumab. I listed to Ms Vicky Phelan being interviewed on radio recently where she spoke so passionately about her health. Certainly it has been shown that her tumours are reducing in size. Nine new cases of cervical cancer have come to the fore. The fact that it can be shown in advance whether the drug will have a good effect on a person is exciting for the patients. The HSE should trial this on patients and make it available as soon as possible. It is cost effective because it can be shown in advance whether it will work for a patient. I ask the Deputy Leader to request the Minister for Health to come to the House to debate issues on this drug because it is very important and Ms Phelan has been an inspiration for the women affected by cervical cancer.

Science Foundation Ireland has presented awards to 641 primary schools for work on STEM subjects. A report released six months ago showed that children with a love for maths and science at the age of eight or nine, will continue to love these subjects. The different universities and employers highlight the shortage of engineers with STEM backgrounds. The children in these schools had to visit facilities that offer the sciences and undertake experiments. We should build on this and expand the programme to more schools.