The pharmaceutical company Vertex is manufacturing what is seen as a game-changer drug for people with cystic fibrosis, namely, Kaftrio. Unfortunately, due to a price squabble between the HSE and Vertex at the moment, there are 35 children with the F508 mutation who are omitted from that. They come in the age category of six to 11 years. This is a life or death matter. One of the families I met had a cousin who died last year and they are looking at their own son now this year waiting for this treatment. I understand that last week Vertex moved beyond the impasse of its price argument. We now need to hear something from Government that it too can meet halfway, this can be agreed and this game-changer drug can be given to these youngsters. Can the Minister offer us some words of encouragement or hope?

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue which is so important for many people. I just want to reassure him that the HSE continues to engage in commercial discussions with Vertex. The Minister for Health advises that the matter is being expedited at speed and is receiving all necessary attention. Those discussions are commercial in nature, but the need to bring them hopefully to a successful conclusion is accepted and recognised by Government. I thank the Deputy for raising this.