Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
1067. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if she will fully implement the recommendations of the National Clinical Trials Oversight Group that by early 2026, her Department will establish a clinical trials advisory council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14942/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for this opportunity to reaffirm my commitment to expanding the number of clinical trials in Ireland. Doing so will greatly increase patients' access to innovative life-saving treatments. In that regard, it is my intention to fully implement the Final Recommendations of the National Clinical Trials Oversight Group, whose Final Report I launched in November last year.
My Department officials will shortly begin the process of establishing the Clinical Trials Advisory Council (CTAC) with expert membership drawn from across the sector. The first objective of the CTAC will be to develop the detailed implementation plan for the NCTOG's other recommendations. Implementing the NCTOG's Final Recommendations will help create a more agile and streamlined system for clinical trials whilst maintaining the highest standards of data and patient protection, in addition to supporting the expert workforce needed to administer growing numbers of clinical trials. Improving the clinical trials sector in Ireland is aligned with measures proposed in the European Commission's new Biotech Act Part 1, with the net result of greatly expanded and diversified clinical trials taking place in the State. This is aligned with European moves to ensure that the wider biotech sector is competitive and fosters innovation and will also align with the upcoming National Life Science Strategy which is currently being developed by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment.
