Kaftrio is a miracle drug used for the treatment of cystic fibrosis patients. The drug was approved for use for use by the European Medicines Agency in January 2022. Some 140 children are already using this miracle drug but a further cohort of 35 children do not have access to it. I have previously raised this issue on the floor of the Dáil. I have also met representatives of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, the drug manufacturer, who are anxious to do a deal on this. I am calling for a meeting between Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and the Minister for Health to outline the status of these negotiations. Cystic Fibrosis Ireland is an important stakeholder. I ask the Tánaiste to encourage the Minister for Health to set up this meeting as soon as possible.

I will certainly make the Minister for Health aware of the request. I have engaged with Cystic Fibrosis Ireland on a number of occasions as Minister for Health and since then. I have found it a very professional patient advocacy body which works with Government, industry and specialist doctors very successfully. It has helped us to improve cystic fibrosis care in Ireland immeasurably over the past ten or 12 years. I will certainly make sure the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, is aware of the request. I am sure, subject to his diary, he will be able to facilitate it.