Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We need a debate on this issue today in the Seanad. We need to support those affected. Ireland needs to lead the way on this issue. We should not be rubbishing drug companies all the time like we did in the case of the drug Soliris last year because the hope of these CF sufferers for a relatively normal life depends on the research and development done by many of these drug companies. We should applaud these drug companies for the research they have done, some of which, it must be said, has been funded by charitable and other sources.

A considerable amount of research has gone into this drug. I understand it would be of immense benefit to almost 60% of Irish CF sufferers and we need to show the way. When the drug Soliris was granted last year, there was a major injustice when two patients out of 12 were refused access to it. We debated the matter here in the Seanad on a number of occasions, it went to the Dáil and, eventually, that fight, which was a fight for justice, was won. I support the proposal for an amendment to the Order of Business.

I thank my colleagues, Senators Hayden and Higgins, for mentioning Meath - ears will be burning in Meath today - and the late Francis Ledwidge. We are delighted that the stamp is being issued. I am also delighted that the Ledwidge committee has launched a CD of Francis Ledwidge's poetry and I recommend that to colleagues as it would make an excellent Christmas gift. Indeed, I will pass on Senator Higgins's praise for Fr. Darby in Ashbourne, who is a wonderful priest, because that is a wonderful idea. He is a great churchman but also, as one can hear from what Senator Higgins said, an extremely practical man as well.