The Tánaiste says Ireland needs a more efficient way of assessing and approving new drugs. The comments come amid pressure from politicians to ensure timely access to treatments, particularly for people with rare conditions. Mary Lou McDonald is reported to have urged health minister Simon Harris to approve a drug for a rare neurological condition more quickly, describing her efforts as “begging” for faster action. The reports frame the issue as both a question of assessment processes and of the practical impact on patients who depend on new therapies reaching the market without unnecessary delays. While the sources highlight the need for improved efficiency in evaluating new drugs, they do not provide detailed information on specific policy changes or timelines. Overall, the coverage indicates that political concern is centred on speeding up the approval pathway for treatments, especially where delays may leave patients without timely options.