Thomas Pringle TD

Pringle calls on Government to ensure children with cystic fibrosis are no longer deprived of new drug

Pringle calls on Government to ensure children with cystic fibrosis are no longer deprived of new drug

Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, has called on the Government to ensure young children with cystic fibrosis are no longer deprived of a ground-breaking new drug.

Addressing the Taoiseach in the Dáil today, Deputy Pringle said: “Taoiseach, I met with families from Donegal town, Inver and Ramelton in my constituency outside the Dáil today and families from all across the country were at the gates of Leinster House as part of CF Ireland’s Support the Kaftrio 35 campaign.”

The deputy raised the issue today during questions on policy or legislation.

Deputy Pringle said: “Thirty-five young children with cystic fibrosis are currently deprived of a ground-breaking new drug due to a pricing dispute between the HSE and the provider Vertex.

“It’s wrong that these children should continue to be deprived and I believe that you should act to ensure that the Minister for Health and the HSE respond and make sure that this drug is provided to these young people, so that they can alter their lives significantly and save the State money in the long run too, because that seems to be the only thing the State understands,” he said.

In response, the Taoiseach said the Government is anxious to see the matter sorted and said he will speak with the minister.