Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the 18 Senators who raised matters on the Order of Business. I also thank the groups and Members for their co-operation this morning during the visit of the Scottish First Minister, Ms Sturgeon. As everyone will agree, it was an extraordinary event, one of which we should be proud. I thank the secretariat and staff of the Seanad Office - Mr. Martin Groves and the team - for their co-operation.I thank all of the staff of the Houses of the Oireachtas, including the ushers, and staff from the Scottish office for their efforts in ensuring the event was a success.

Senator Ardagh raised the issue of the Orkambi drug and the importance of it. The Minister for Health is to hold a briefing on this issue with the spokespeople on health. I have asked that Members of the Seanad be included in that briefing. It is important to recognise that this is a stressful time for the families, and in particular the parents, of young people who are in need of Orkambi. All of us want to see our loved ones treated. The drug company in question, Vertex, needs to come to the table. It is also important to put on record that the drug works in only a percentage of cases. The drug company has a duty of care to work with the Department of Health and the HSE on the issues of-----