David Norris (Independent)

It does not matter. The most important thing is to get something done about it. As I have noted previously in the House, the New Zealand Government really put this issue on the agenda. It not only exonerated its own troops but honoured them publically. These poor creatures were slaughtered for reasons like refusing to put on a wet filthy cap in the middle of a bombardment. It was a disgrace and a vile thing to happen.

This is cystic fibrosis week. It would be useful if this House discussed this issue for a number of reasons. I feel strongly about the matter because I have encountered a number of people with the condition. For example, I had an extremely remarkable, charming and intelligent student in Trinity College who greatly impressed me and who continued with her work despite her great difficulties. I have known a number of people with this tragic and awful disease and they are gentle, decent people. This country has the highest rate of cystic fibrosis anywhere, and one in 116,000 live births has this problem. While in the North of Ireland, the average life expectancy of someone with this condition is 34 years, in the Republic, it is 17 years. Why is this? Surely when we have this problem in our midst, we should direct our energies, resources and facilities towards it. We should conduct research and be the world leader in this respect. I would welcome, perhaps in the context of a debate on health issues, the House pressing for such people to be given a decent opportunity of life. Many initiatives, such as the provision of isolation units could be taken. However, I will not anticipate the debate.