To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for an update on the prospects of the extension of the Cancer Drugs Fund to include Northern Ireland, giving local cancer patients access to life-extending cancer drugs.

I am sympathetic to the establishment of a Specialist Drugs Fund which would not only be available for unapproved cancer drugs but would apply to other serious conditions. However, I could only establish such a fund by diverting funding from existing services or by raising money. One means I am considering is a prescription charge. This would be subject to public consultation and Executive approval. Any charge should be modest and not punitive to individuals who are unable to pay such a charge.