Sam and Glen are two boys who live in my constituency. Both of them suffer from spinal muscular atrophy. It is heartbreaking to see because their condition is deteriorating and there is a drug, Spinraza, which would assist them. The Taoiseach said earlier that a decision on this had been due and that urgent priority had been given to the matter. These families were living in that hope at Christmas when exactly the same words were spoken about the matter being given urgent priority, an assessment being under way and so forth. Almost six months later, the issue has not been resolved. I have raised this with the Minister before, and the Taoiseach has responded to similar questioning. He specifically said he was acting in accordance with the legislation, namely, the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act. If this legislation is impeding us in dealing with this matter, we need to amend and change it. It is not tolerable or fair that the only country in Europe in which these children cannot receive this medication is Ireland. We will work with the Minister to change the legislation but these families are holding on week by week, meeting by meeting. As I said, at Christmas there was a real expectation that this would be dealt with, and that has not occurred. I therefore appeal to the Minister, if he must work within the legislation and if the legislation is the obstacle, to change it.

I thank Deputy Curran for raising this matter and acknowledge that he raises it quite consistently regarding the family to which he refers. I also acknowledge that this is a time of huge anxiety for the families impacted and worried about their children. I spoke directly to the new Director General of the HSE yesterday about this to inquire as to the current position. My understanding is that a decision will be delivered shortly. We are genuinely making progress on this matter. I do not want to say any more that could jeopardise this situation but there is a new offer from the company, of which the Deputy is aware. The HSE needs to assess it, and it takes two to close a deal, but I really want this to be resolved quickly. The HSE is aware of our collective view on the matter.

Pages 53 to 65 of the programme for Government commit to improving healthcare for our citizens. In this context, I raise the issue of Kerry University Hospital where, as the Minister for Health will be aware, a review was carried out last year on 47,000 scans. Following the review, 11 patients were identified as having either missed or delayed diagnoses. Following a meeting on Monday with hospital management, the five Kerry Deputies were informed that of these 11 patients, seven are no longer with us. What plans does the Minister have to follow up on the commitment he gave the Deputies representing Kerry before Christmas to visit Kerry University Hospital in order to show some compassion and support for the families of those who are no longer with us and indeed the remaining patients who are still receiving treatment? Unfortunately, this and many other issues are leading me to believe that Kerry University Hospital is the forgotten hospital of the south west. We need the Minister's commitment and support to reassure these families that support is available for them and the hospital has not been forgotten.

It has certainly not been forgotten and people like Deputy Brassil ensure that is the case by raising these important matters. I express again my heartfelt sympathies to the patients and families involved. I acknowledge that this was, and for some continues to be, a time of great uncertainly for patients and their families and I appeal, as the Deputy has done, for their confidentiality to be respected. As the Deputy knows, there was a review in line with HSE policy and the final report was released in December 2018.

Open disclosure has taken place with all of the affected patients and their families. I am advised that all patients have received or are receiving the appropriate additional care that they may need and that support is being provided by the South/South West hospital group. A serious incident management team has made 16 recommendations and implementation is underway. I will send the Deputy a note with a more comprehensive answer than time allows here.