Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the 18 Members for their contributions to the Order of Business. I join Senator Warfield and all of us in the House in remembering the genocide in Rwanda 25 years ago. It is important and proper that we in this House reflect upon and pay tribute to the Rwandan people on the 25th anniversary. The words of the president are ones we should take note of when he speaks of them being a family once again. The events of 25 years ago were horrific and brutal. Like the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, we should all commend the bravery and resilience of the Rwandan people and stand with them. At the end of the Order of Business, it is appropriate that we should stand for a minute's reflection and pay tribute to, and remember, those who died in an awful event.

Senator Ardagh raised the issue of Spinraza. The information I have is that the HSE wrote to the company informing it of its proposal to refuse reimbursement of Spinraza at the price offered by the company but allowing for an opportunity for the company to come back to the HSE with a different price option. As Members will be aware, the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 allows for 28 days during which a company may come back to the Department or the HSE. My information is that the HSE has received a revised submission. The HSE drugs group is now considering that price and will make a recommendation. I do not have more up to date information than that but drugs companies have an obligation to come back to the HSE with reasonable prices so that we can ensure people are able to avail of medicines.

Senators McFadden and Ardagh raised the report from National Cancer Registry Ireland. According to the report, one in two of us will develop cancer in the coming years. As Senator McFadden rightly said, outcomes have improved and people are surviving longer and have better access to treatment and medicines but it is important that we invest in cancer care and services, the national cancer strategy is updated and resources put in place to ensure the strategy is fit for purpose. Last Friday, I visited Cork ARC Cancer Support House to look at its proposal for the new development, which involves a suite of rooms and treatment centres and would provide people with an opportunity to meet. I commend the work of Professor Seamus O'Reilly and the staff in Cork ARC Cancer Support House.It is important that we invest in our cancer strategy so that we can tackle the scourge of cancer that has for a generation blighted our communities. As Senator Ardagh rightly said, there are many in this House who have family members who died as a result of cancer and other family members who have suffered from the disease and may be on the road to recovery, in remission or now cancer free. This is an issue on which we must maintain vigilance.

Senators McDowell, Lawless and Bacik raised the issue of the gaming legislation that is coming before the House, probably next week.