Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

That is great news for the CF community, parents, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and the children. I watched Aidan last night. He is 43 years of age and his lung capacity is down to 40%. For him, that will amount to a life-saving statement. He will be delighted. I sincerely congratulate the community for staying strong although they have been under extraordinary anguish and anxiety in recent times.

I hope that the march tomorrow will be one of celebration and that they will be out in the streets. Those affected expect the talks to be concluded in the coming days in order that they can see the drugs on the market on 1 May. This is especially important for people who have been on the drug on compassionate grounds and other grounds. This copperfastens for them that they will hold on to these drugs in future. That is important.

The Minister referred to future drugs that could be introduced by Vertex. Have they been included in the deal or are they separate issue? I thank the Minister for coming to the Dáil and making the statement today.

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