Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the remarks made by Senator Darragh O'Brien in regard to the drug for cystic fibrosis patients. It is important that this issue be resolved. It is also important, in the context of the negotiations relating to the drug, that we get value for money. There has been much coverage in the past couple of years with regard to the availability of particular drugs and the fact that the latter comes down to the bargaining positions adopted by those involved, which is unfortunate. I accept that a great deal of time and money has been spent on researching and producing the drug in question but it is important that we get value for money from the process. I agree with Senator Darragh O'Brien that this drug should be made available at the earliest possible opportunity.

Two recent requests by me for a Commencement matter debate on the issue of two facilities in Cork that can cater for 35 homeless people but have been lying vacant for four or five years were ruled out of order. These properties were purchased by Cuan Mhuire and were to be used to provide accommodation for people who have completed treatment for alcohol addiction and who are now on the road of recovery. It is sad that these facilities remain vacant. I sought to have the relevant Minister address this issue by way of Commencement debate, such that these facilities could be brought into use at the earliest possible opportunity at a time when we need them. It is unfortunate that my requests were ruled out of order. While I fully respect the Cathaoirleach's ruling on this matter, I believe that, given the urgent need for these facilities, the relevant Minister should come to this House to explain why they remain idle. I ask that the Leader inquire from the Minister why there has been no co-ordination between the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and the relevant local authorities in this matter. One of the units is located in Cork county and the other is in Cork city. As I said, these facilities, which can cater for 35 people, remain vacant. We need those facilities up and running as soon as possible. Given my requests for a Commencement debate on this issue have been ruled out of order, I ask that the Leader raise the matter with the Minister on my behalf.