Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)

I am delighted to have the opportunity to debate the significant progress we have made in Ireland in the development of cystic fibrosis, CF, services. As Minister, I am more than aware of the challenges faced by CF patients in managing their condition. CF is an inherited chronic disorder. We have a high incidence of the disease in Ireland relative to other European countries because of genetic factors. Now that we have funded a CF registry, we are in position to know how many people are availing of hospital services. The data suggest there are 1,159 CF patients, 48% of whom are children. The registry will allow us to review trends in the State and compare them with international data in the years ahead.

CF affects the lungs and digestive system and leads to frequent chest infections and under nutrition. That is why CF patients, in particular, are frequent users of hospital services. I am pleased that over the past number of years, on foot of the Pollock report, which was commissioned by the Cystic Fibrosis Association, and the HSE's own multidisciplinary report, we have greatly enhanced services for patients. I was happy recently to meet representatives of the association, including parents and family members of patients from the mid-west, together with their clinicians, who acknowledged the significant progress we have made.

In 2006-07, for example, we allocated an additional €6.78 million and, in 2009, €1.6 million. The initial tranche provided for the recruitment and the HSE is in the process of recruiting another 32 staff, which will bring the increased number of staff, including nurses, consultants and allied health professionals, to 84. I have also introduced the newborn screening programme under Professor Loftus, a paediatrician, form University College Hospital Galway. As well as enhancing services at tertiary level, the HSE is working with St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, to roll out services in Limerick, Waterford, Temple Street Hospital, Beaumont Hospital and elsewhere in order that there will be regional supports and not just services at the national tertiary centre in St. Vincent's Hospital.

The focus of this debate has been the need for additional suitable accommodation for patients at the national tertiary centre. Under phase 1 of the development at St. Vincent's hospital, the new accident and emergency department has single en suite rooms suitable for cystic fibrosis, CF, and other patients who require isolation. There is also the ambulatory care centre, which is used for patients who do not require inpatient activity.

The main project that will greatly enhance the hospital facilities for the patients is the new 100 bed block at St. Vincent's, phase 2 of the development. Last year, we approved the funding for that. It was a new innovative way of funding whereby the developer would source the bridging finance and be paid on construction. We did that for a number of reasons but mainly because of the pressure on the public capital programme in the health area. Projects are funded in this way in other areas and in other countries. Obviously, a public procurement process is required. It is not only desirable, but is necessary under EU law because of the scale and the money involved. That process led to a preferred bidder being identified but the bidder was not in a position to finance the project.

However, as part of the tendering process a letter of intent has been sent to a preferred bidder and that bidder has 30 days to respond. St. Vincent's hospital, which has been meticulous in the manner in which it has conducted this public tender process, is confident that the bidder will be in a position to finance and begin the construction. The site has been cleared and the construction period is 18 months. I look forward to the bidder being in a position to proceed with construction as quickly as possible.

Deputies will be aware that eight single rooms were provided at St. Vincent's hospital, and St. Camillus's ward was also refurbished for respiratory patients. St. Vincent's hospital now has approximately 65 beds which are used for respiratory patients, including cystic fibrosis patients, who require isolation. The new facilities at the hospital will have en suite accommodation as well as a ten-bed treatment room for treatment, which will also have sanitary en suite services.

All sides of the House wish to have this project completed as soon as possible, but everybody will acknowledge, as the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland has acknowledged, that we have made great progress in the provision of additional resources since the Pollock report in 2006. The 2006, 2007 and 2009 funding for the HSE provided substantial additional funding, and a sum of €1.6 million was provided for the refurbishment of the current single rooms at St. Vincent's hospital. That is not in itself sufficient as we need the 100 beds. I am very committed to making it happen. It is a priority for funding but, unfortunately, the delay occurred due to the prevailing circumstances in the construction industry. It was not an option for St. Vincent's Hospital or the HSE not to follow meticulously the public procurement process. Failure to follow it could have led to serious legal implications. The process must be followed.

There has been much speculation as to why particular bidders might have been selected. However, the process must be followed not just in spirit, but also legally to ensure that the public procurement is an honest and appropriate evaluation. I believe the letter of intent which has been issued will deliver a developer who will construct the facility in the 18 months it is anticipated will be required.

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