We have a problem. I am deeply concerned that our health service is falling behind when it comes to access to advanced cancer treatments, modern medicine and orphan drugs. Science innovation, as the Taoiseach knows, is moving at an extraordinary pace. New oncology medicines are helping people to live longer and survive cancer. In the context of diseases that once involved devastating outcomes, people now retain a far better quality of life after treatment. However, in Ireland, access depends far too often on whether people have private health insurance. This is not the health system we want. It is not the health system Sláintecare envisioned either. We are increasingly seeing a two-tier system in cancer care. If people have private cover, they can often access new treatments earlier. On the other hand, those who rely on the public system may face delays and fewer options. I accept that more money is going into access to drugs than ever before. However, the next cancer strategy has to keep pace with science. The reimbursement schemes have to improve.

I thank the Deputy for raising what is a pertinent and important issue. There is no question but that medicines are advancing at a rapid pace. In the context of therapeutics and more generally in the area of oncology, there are new drugs, perhaps every five years in some instances. Health systems all over the world are struggling to keep pace with the rapidity of change. Thankfully, survival rates relating to cancer are increasing all round because of the advances that have been made.

I have engaged in discussions with the Minister on this matter. Working with the national cancer control programme, we need to look at how we can deal with the rapidity and volume of new drugs coming on stream. Orphan drugs, which may not relate to cancer alone and which may be used to treat a range of other conditions, are going through similar technology assessments. The process is taking a long time. We need the co-operation of the companies involved in terms of dealing sensibly and practically with this, but there is no doubt that it is a growing issue.

Deputy Sherlock.

Our public cancer centres are good. The Deputy is making a point about private access to medicine and new drugs. That is where the differential happens.