Orkambi negotiations
Deputy Ó Laoghaire asked for an update on negotiations with Vertex over Orkambi and other cystic fibrosis therapies. The Taoiseach said the Minister hopes the discussions on Kalydeco, Orkambi and future drugs will be concluded within weeks.
While the issue I raise was addressed previously, I have a specific question on the programme for Government commitment to tackling the current challenges in health. Cystic fibrosis is one such challenge. With 1,200 people in Ireland suffering from the condition, we have one of the highest rates of cystic fibrosis in the developed world. Will the Taoiseach update the House on the current status of negotiations with Vertex on the availability of Orkambi and the extension of specialist therapies?