There is the issue of expensive drugs for deserving patients. To what extent, if any, is there application of the Single Market in this regard right across the European Union? Has it been done already or can it be done? Have comparisons been made of the difference between servicing the costs and needs of individual patients in this country and patients in other European countries? The Single Market should apply but could it be applied in this regard?

Ireland is often used as a reference point. The House is aware that the Minister for Health has been working with a number of other health Ministries in different countries to deal with the pharmaceutical companies in terms of getting best value for taxpayers' money for patients suffering from particular conditions or who must contend with particular challenges. He is working within that sphere. With regard to particular drugs, the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics is working with Vertex and I hope this matter can be agreed and resolved in order that the children and patients with cystic fibrosis may have the benefit of improving quality of life arising from distribution of the drug involved.