THE plight of Ukrainian people with cystic fibrosis was raised in the Dáil by Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey last week when he asked Taoiseach Micheál Martin to support a call for immediate financial assistance for support organisations near the EU borders with Ukraine.
Stating that he had been briefed on the evolving situation by Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) chief executive Philip Watt, Deputy Carey said that it was particularly shocking for people living with cystic fibrosis.
“These vulnerable people are living in bomb shelters, often without water and food and with no basic medical supplies. A request has been made by CFI to the Department of Foreign Affairs for immediate financial assistance that could be channelled through CFI to other cystic fibrosis associations near the border with Ukraine,” he explained.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was supportive of “the very poignant point” raised by Deputy Carey and acknowledged it was extremely difficult for people in Ukraine because of the bombardment by Russian forces.
“I can only imagine how difficult it is for people with cystic fibrosis because of the added complexities arising from their condition and the difficulties arising from that.
“Given it is a condition that is particularly prevalent in Ireland and we are involved in much research and so on in that area, I will certainly speak with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and officials to see what practical assistance we can give,” the Taoiseach added.
Photo caption: Deputy Joe Carey (centre) with Philip Watt, chief executive and Nicola Delaney Foxe, Public Awareness Officer Cystic Fibrosis Ireland at the launch of the Cystic Fibrosis ’65 Roses’ campaign.
