Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join Senator Black in remembering those two families and also the de Bromhead family. We sadly lost a little girl of eight years of age in County Roscommon as well and we are thinking of her today. It has been a sad time for many families, particularly when so many children have lost their chance to live, which should not happen.

I very much support the comments of Senator Craughwell regarding staff and ensuring our staff are well paid and looked after properly. My colleagues and I will insist that the staff get a proper deal. Everybody accepts that. I refer to Senators' staff in particular. Each Senator has one member of staff. They work very hard and, at times, very long hours. We have to look after them.

I think of the campaigners outside the gates of Leinster House today, particularly those campaigning with regard to cystic fibrosis. I think of the 35 children who need a particular drug. The matter has not been cleared up. I know the Taoiseach and the Minister are aware of it and want to do the right thing, and they will, but it is urgent that the drug be made available to those children. As far as I know, when they get to 12 years of age, they can have the drug. I met Caoimhe and Fiadh, sisters aged eight and six, respectively, who have Ballinasloe connections and who were outside Leinster House campaigning today. It was difficult and sad to see them out there. I appeal to the Leader to use her good offices to ensure that drug is made available to those 35 children. It is urgent.