Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I endorse, support and second Senator Gavan's call. It is really important. We have to examine human rights throughout the world and see what we can do.

The issue I raise relates to my friend, Pat Tinsley, whom I have spoken about in the House previously. Pat and 29 others have been diagnosed with amyloidosis. No treatment is available in this country, although it is available in Northern Ireland, the UK, Europe and the US. The treatment's name is patisiran. I have engaged with the company that produces it. It would give a new lease of life to the 30 sufferers in this country.

I raise this issue again in the context that €50 million was allocated in the budget for the provision of high-quality healthcare through the availability of innovative medicines. That is really welcome and it marks a major shift in public policy towards the funding of new medicines. When I spoke previously about the issue, I requested a debate on it with the Minister for Health. That the money has been allocated in the budget is a really significant development.Will the Leader ask the Minister for Health to have this process expedited in order that we support these 30 people? Following that, perhaps the Leader would bring the Minister before the Seanad to discuss this.