Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Pages 59 and 64 of the programme for Government refer to cystic fibrosis patients and the provision of breakthrough drugs, respectively. Unfortunately, some weeks ago the Taoiseach was poorly briefed when he responded about the provision of Orkambi and referred to the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics. He was obviously behind the curve. Is the Minister, Deputy Harris, is also behind the curve? I ask because yesterday he stated he needed more time and space to conclude these issues. I cannot help thinking that this reflects the fact there will be a national protest on this matter tomorrow.

How much time does the Government need? On 15 January, Vertex renewed a proposal with a substantially lower price tag than the one the Taoiseach applied two weeks ago. Under the proposal, drugs that were in the development pipeline would also be provided in the long term. There has been no contact between Vertex and the HSE since 3 February. Yesterday, the Minister falsely gave the impression that substantial negotiations were ongoing. What space do we need? Is it to consider the Fine Gael leadership-----

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