The programme for Government claims, and the Minister for Health has repeatedly stated, that addressing waiting lists in our health services is a priority for Government. However, there is no waiting list more distressing than that of children who await approval for access to a drug that will help them secure a longer life. As we meet on this last day before the Christmas recess, this morning I have received further communication from parents relating to their distressing circumstance, recounting how their child continues to deteriorate physically from spinal muscular atrophy.

Different Deputies have raised this issue but it is very important that, in the month of Christmas, some real hope is provided rather than there being a notion that it will be addressed in the coming year. Each year that passes is further torment for the parents and children involved.

I thank the Deputy, his time is up.

There are only 25 children who can possibly benefit from the approval of Spinraza.

They are also a small adult population of no more than 50. Could the Taoiseach make a statement on this last sitting day before Christmas to give these families some hope?

I am afraid I cannot give the Deputy any information on the approval of that particular drug. As Members know, which drugs are licensed, which drugs are prescribed and which drugs are reimbursed are not political decisions, nor should they be. For very good reasons they have been taken out of the political process. So far this year the HSE has approved 23 new medicines. That is done based on the efficacy of the medicine and whether the cost matches the benefits.