2. Health Ministry—Funding for Rare DiseasesDr SHANE RETI (National—Whangarei) to the Minister of HealthHealth Ministry—Funding for Rare Diseases2. Dr SHANE RETI (National—Whangarei) to the Minister of Health: What are his priorities in the health portfolio?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER (Associate Minister of Health) on behalf of the Minister of Health: Tēnā koe Mr Speaker. Better health for New Zealanders. Dr Shane Reti: Is it a priority for the Minister to honour his pre-election pledge of a $20 million fund for rare diseases?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: In fact there was no amount specified in a pledge but it is extremely important to me that we do have funds for rare diseases and that's why I'm quite pleased to say that Pharmac has announced they will be continuing the $5 million fund for rare diseases next year. Dr Shane Reti: Why is Collette Bromhead the CEO of the New Zealand Organisation for Rare Disorders saying that she was promised there would be a new $20 million fund and now Government MPs have told her that it is off the table"?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: I'm not sure why she's saying that because there was no specified amount in the Labour Party manifesto. There was a commitment and I've made it very clear that this is an issue that is incredibly important to me and I'm pleased that Pharmac will be continuing to fund rare diseases and I've already asked both Pharmac and the Ministry of Health for advice on how we can continue to support those with rare diseases. Dr Shane Reti: Why did the Minister write to the New Zealand Pompe disease network around Labour's policy of establishing a rare disease fund when the Government is now saying the fund is "off the table"?SPEAKER: Order! The member has now I think at least three times made an allegation that he's based a fact on. Normally when one makes some allegation one needs to provide authentication and I am seeking authentication from him. Dr Shane Reti: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. Shall I rephrase the question with the authentication? SPEAKER: I think it would be a good idea because I did happen to listen to the radio programme that the member might be relying on from yesterday. Dr Shane Reti: Thank you. Why did the Minister write to the New Zealand Pompe disease network around Labour's policy of establishing a rare disease fund when the Radio New Zealand interview yesterday reported two MPs saying the fund is "off the table"? Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: In the New Zealand Labour Party's disability issues manifesto there is a commitment to a specific fund for medicines to treat rare diseases. I am happy to say that Pharmac is continuing with the trial-specific funds for rare diseases this year and that I've asked the Ministry of Health and Pharmac for advice on how we can continue to support funding medicines for those with rare diseases.Dr Shane Reti: How could it be that the Minister told Radio New Zealand yesterday that "I wasn't aware" of a vital funding cut to the New Zealand Organisation for Rare Disorders when CEO Collette Bromhead says "He does know that our funding is at threat because we sent repeated letters to his office and I have spoken to his private secretary."?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: I'm afraid that information is incorrect. The ministry has made no decisions on what is happening with funding for the New Zealand Organisation for Rare Disorders. It's being considered along with all other things that are considered for funding in the Budget process for next year.Dr Shane Reti: Is he confirming then that he has not received repeated letters to his office and his private secretary has not been spoken to by CEO Collette Bromhead?Hon JULIE ANNE GENTER: I'm afraid that I can't confirm that one way or another but if he puts the question in writing we might be able to answer it.Angie Warren-Clark: Does the Minister agree with former chairman of the three Auckland district health boards Lester Levy when he told the Health Committee yesterday that the system in Auckland is under stress?SPEAKER: Order! No the member will resume her seat. That does not flow from either the primary question or the supplementaries."