§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety plans to give anti-TNFs to all patients for whom they are considered appropriate; and if he will make a statement. [168631]
§ Angela SmithThe degree to which the health and social care system can respond to presenting needs is limited by the level of resources available. However the Department remains committed to the introduction of specialist drugs, such as anti-TNFs, where they will clearly result in a significant improvement in patient care. It has consequently made provision to allow 100 addition patients to receive anti-TNF drugs during 2004–05.