​Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Darragh O’Brien TD has welcomed the renewal of the J1 Visa programme. Ireland and the United States have this week signed an agreement extending the 12-month J1 visa for another three years.


The bilateral agreement signed between the Irish and US governments relates to the 12-month J1 visa which most Irish students use to spend a summer working in the US.

Deputy O’Brien commented, “The J1 Visa Programme has been used extensively by Irish students for close to 50 years. It has played an important role in facilitating students in accessing vital work experience.


“I am relieved that any concerns which were raised by President Elect Donald Trump during his campaign have now been clarified and that a commitment to extend the programme, has been agreed.


“Ireland has a strong bond with the United States which stretches back decades and through generations. Our relationship with the United States developed as a result of initiatives such as the J1 Visa Programme and it is imperative that our close links are maintained.


“The changes announced to the J1 Visa Programme last November saw the introduction of new restrictions, including a provision which states that Irish students must have a pre-arranged job before travelling to the United States under the programme. However, many Irish students have been unable to secure work to date, despite having spent large sums of money in applying for the J1 Visa and arranging flights.

“Accordingly I’m calling on Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan to further engage with officials on this issue to see if a better outcome can be achieved for those that will apply for the J1 Visa over the next three years,” said Deputy O’Brien.

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Local Fianna Fáil TD, Darragh O’Brien has congratulated St Maurs ladies football on their All-Ireland junior club glory on Saturday.


North Dublin team and first-time finalists, St Maurs (2-13) secured a deserving win over Kinsale (Cork) 3-8 at Netwatch Cullen Park in Carlow.


Commenting following the result, Deputy O’Brien said, “This is a wonderful achievement for all the players and officials in St Maurs and the wider community in the North County. Over the past number of years, the club has been inching closer and closer to the elusive senior championship.


“It was an exceptional game of football and a phenomenal victory  which makes all the hard work, training and commitment worth it,” said the Fianna Fáil TD.


"I wish to send my warmest congratulations too to Dublin senior panellist, Olivia Leonard who was named a player of the match. Olivia led the team to a superb win.


Comhghairdeas leo,” concluded O’Brien.

​         - Life saving CF drug should be provided under Long Term Illness Scheme -

Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin Fingal Darragh O’Brien has called on the Health Minister to make the life-saving CF drug Orkambi available to patients under the Long Term Illness Scheme.


Deputy O’Brien says precedent has been set by former Health Minister James Reilly who overruled a decision made by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics and made the drug Kalydeco available to suitable patients.

“Cystic Fibrosis is a debilitating and life limiting condition, which affects thousands of people across the country and the Government’s continued procrastination on a decision to provide this game changing drug is nothing short of appalling. 


“There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to “look at opportunities for leveraging purchasing power either through national or European initiatives” but this does not seem to be the case with Orkambi as virtually no progress has been made in reducing the cost of the drug.

“There are around 1,200 CF sufferers who would benefit from Orkambi. This is a life or death situation for these people and I am urging the Minister to follow in the footsteps of former Minister Reilly and make this drug available to those who need it.

“The argument over the cost effectiveness of the drug is short-sighted. The cost of an acute bed is between €1,000 and €1,200 a day. Many Cystic Fibrosis patients can spend as much as nine months a year in hospital, which could cost anywhere between €270,000 and €324,000 per year. The annual cost of Orkambi is €160,000 – roughly half of the cost of the acute care that is currently being provided.

“Not only is this a cost-effective proposal, it would also free up much needed acute beds in the health service that is already under significant pressure. I am appealing to Minister Harris to give this option the serious consideration it warrants and to provide this life changing drug to the people who need it”.