In the programme for Government there is a clear commitment to introduce an independent patient advocacy service. It seems that the only patient advocacy service in the country is "Liveline", courtesy of broadcaster, Joe Duffy. There has been extraordinary contact in recent weeks from patients throughout the country over the removal of Versatis pain relief patches and medication from thousands of patients in a cost-cutting measure by the Government. A parliamentary reply estimates that there will be 90% savings in the execution of this measure. However, from a patient perspective, anyone listening to "Liveline" in recent weeks will have been struck by the agony and genuine distress caused to patients and families. These people of all ages got great pain relief from this particular medication. Where was the patient advocacy informing this decision?

As Deputy Martin knows, this was not a decision taken by the Government. It was a decision taken by the medicines management programme, which is made up of clinicians. It was a clinical decision made on the appropriate use of Versatis, a patch that had been used for conditions it was not previously meant to be used for. We were actually spending more and using more in this country than the entire United Kingdom.

The Deputy is making a point about compassion for people for whom this medication was providing clear pain relief. I wish to make the point that there is an appeals process. Already, general practitioners can apply using an online system to have the application assessed. That is turned around within two days. Hundreds of people have been put back on the patches as a result of it. It is important that we follow clinical advice and that we let our policy on medication be decided by doctors rather than radio shows.

The Minister for Health did not talk to doctors. There was a 90% saving. That is what this was about.

There is a Topical Issue matter on that later today.