Eamonn Maloney (Dublin South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I dare say there is not a citizen in this State who is not conscious of cystic fibrosis, given its prevalence in this country. I understand that we have the highest rate of cystic fibrosis in the world but I cannot explain why that is the case. We are all aware of how this condition affects the individual and by extension, their families.

In terms of science and research, we all welcome the new Orkambi drug which has been developed to treat the condition. Evidence from the United States indicates that it can significantly improve the quality of life of cystic fibrosis sufferers.

Anything which alters this horrific condition for sufferers has to be welcomed.

The big issue for all of us, particularly the Minister and the HSE, is the cost of this drug, given that it is so expensive. The drug is currently being assessed. When will that assessment be presented to the Minister?

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