I agree with the remarks made by Senator Darragh O'Brien about the drug for cystic fibrosis patients. It is important that this issue be resolved. It is also important, in the context of the negotiations on the drug, that we get value for money. There has been much coverage in the past couple of years about the availability of particular drugs and the fact that it comes down to the bargaining positions adopted by those involved, which is unfortunate. I accept that a great deal of time and money has been spent on researching and producing the drug in question, but it is important that we get value for money from the process. I agree with Senator Darragh O'Brien that this drug should be made available at the earliest possible opportunity.

Two recent requests by me for a Commencement debate on the issue of two facilities in Cork that can cater for 35 homeless people but which have been lying vacant for four or five years were ruled out of order. These properties were purchased by Cuan Mhuire and were to be used to provide accommodation for people who had completed treatment for alcohol addiction and were on the road to recovery. It is sad that these facilities remain vacant. I sought to have the relevant Minister address this issue in a Commencement debate in order that these facilities could be brought into use at the earliest possible opportunity at a time when we needed them. It is unfortunate that my requests were ruled out of order. While I fully respect the Cathaoirleach's ruling on this matter, given the urgent need for these facilities, the relevant Minister should come to the House to explain why they remain idle. I ask the Leader to inquire from the Minister why there has been no co-ordination between the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and the relevant local authorities in this matter. One of the units is located in Cork county and the other in Cork city. As I said, these facilities which can cater for 35 people remain vacant. We need them up and running as soon as possible. Given that my requests for a Commencement debate on this issue have been ruled out of order, I ask the Leader to raise the matter with the Minister on my behalf.