I support the calls made in the Seanad today and second Senator Mark Daly's amendment if it is necessary, because we were not sure if it was properly called the first time, for a debate in the Seanad and calling on the Minister for Health and the HSE to make funding available for the drug, Orkambi. There is another drug, called Kalydeco, which is already available for the relatively small percentage of cystic fibrosis, CF, sufferers in Ireland who need it and it is life-changing for them. The majority of CF sufferers in Ireland, as I understand it, would benefit from the drug, Orkambi. As Senators will be aware, Ireland has the highest rate of cystic fibrosis in the world. We all know persons who suffer from it and who have died from it. The least we can do is lead the way on this issue. What was most hurtful, for those with cystic fibrosis and those who have family members with it were the comments of Mr. Tony O'Brien of the HSE when he ruled the drug out before it had gone through any of the processes.

The Senator should not name officials from the Department.

That is how this debate started. People could not believe this process appeared to be done and dusted with the HSE.

The person named is not here to defend himself.

We need a debate on this issue today in the Seanad. We need to support those affected. Ireland needs to lead the way on this issue. We should not be rubbishing drug companies all the time like we did in the case of the drug Soliris last year because the hope of these CF sufferers for a relatively normal life depends on the research and development done by many of these drug companies. We should applaud these drug companies for the research they have done, some of which, it must be said, has been funded by charitable and other sources. A considerable amount of research has gone into this drug. I understand it would be of immense benefit to almost 60% of Irish CF sufferers and we need to show the way. When the drug Soliris was granted last year, there was a major injustice when two patients out of 12 were refused access to it. We debated the matter here in the Seanad on a number of occasions, it went to the Dáil and, eventually, that fight, which was a fight for justice, was won. I support the proposal for an amendment to the Order of Business.

I thank my colleagues, Senators Aideen Hayden and Lorraine Higgins, for mentioning County Meath where ears will be burning today and Francis Ledwidge. We are delighted that the stamp is being issued. I am also delighted that the Ledwidge committee has launched a CD of Francis Ledwidge's poetry which I recommend to colleagues as it would make an excellent Christmas gift.

I will pass on Senator Lorraine Higgins's words of praise for Fr. Darby in Ashbourne who is a wonderful priest because it is a wonderful idea. He is a great churchman but also, as one can hear from what Senator Lorraine Higgins said, an extremely practical man.