Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support the calls in the Seanad today, and second Senator Daly's amendment if it is necessary, because we were not sure if it was properly called the first time, for a debate in the Seanad and calling on the Minister for Health and the HSE to make funding available for the drug, Orkambi. There is another drug, called Kalydeco, which is already available for the relatively small percentage of cystic fibrosis, CF, sufferers in Ireland who need it, and it is life-changing for them. The majority of CF sufferers in Ireland, as I understand it, would benefit from the drug, Orkambi. As Senators will be aware, Ireland has the highest rate of CF in the world. This is where CF happens to the greatest extent. We all know persons who suffer from it and who have died from it. The least we can do is lead the way on this issue. What was most hurtful, for those with CF and those who have family members with CF, were the comments of Mr. Tony O'Brien of the HSE when he ruled the drug out before it had gone through any of the processes.