MacSharry raises Cancer Treatment Bill in Seanad

Added: 12-07-2012

The Government has dismissed all hope that new lifesaving cancer treatments, approved by the European Medicines Agency, could be quickly availed of in Ireland according to Senator Marc MacSharry.

Senator MacSharry was speaking during a debate on the Access to Cancer Treatment 2012 Bill in the Seanad last night where, Minister of State, Kathleen Lynch stated that there are "no issues" with the current availability of cancer drugs in Ireland.   

Reading a scripted speech on behalf of her colleague, Dr. James Reilly, Minister Lynch stated that "cancer treatments approved by the EMA did not take into account the wider range of factors and constraints that influence national priority".

Mr MacSharry said the fact that the Director of the National Cancer Control Programme allegedly proofed and approved the script, is very concerning.

He said if this is in fact the case, the capabilities of this person to continue in their role must be questioned.

The bill aims to ensure the provision by the Health Services Executive of all prescribed medicinal products necessary for the treatment of cancer in line with best practice and upon approval of the European Medicines Agency.