To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety if he plans to adopt for Northern Ireland the recommendations, made with respect to England and Wales, of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, to make bortezomib (Velcade) accessible to National Health Service patients suffering from multiple myeloma; and if he will outline the proposed timeframe for the implementation of such plans.

All guidance published by NICE from 1 July 2006 is reviewed locally for its applicability to Northern Ireland and, where appropriate, is endorsed by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety for implementation in the Health and Social Care sector.

NICE is currently assessing Velcade for use in a new indication which would see patients being treated with the drug at an earlier stage of the disease. The Institute has not indicated a date for publication of final guidance on Velcade, however, it is likely that the review process will not be completed until the autumn. The Department will issue advice on the status of the final guidance in Northern Ireland shortly after it is published by NICE for England and Wales.