Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

The decision by An Bord Pleanála not to proceed with the national children's hospital represents a bad day for sick children, for their families, for the nurses, doctors and staff, and for jobs and capital investment on the north-side of Dublin. Once again, it shows that sick children are paying the price for the gross incompetence of others.

Today, I raise another important health issue, the urgent need for more facilities for cystic fibrosis patients. In the past, I raised this matter, with a strong emphasis on a 34-bed unit for cystic fibrosis patients at St. Vincent's Hospital, and we were promised action by the Government on it. Is the Tánaiste aware that yesterday in St. Vincent's Hospital there were 83 persons in the accident and emergency complex and 40 were waiting for a bed? Seven cystic fibrosis patients had to stay at home while they waited for a bed because of their fear of cross-infection. Is that acceptable in this day and age? Is the Tánaiste aware of the danger of cross-infections for cystic fibrosis patients? Is it acceptable that staff, who are overstretched and brilliant, had to move other patients out of their beds to accommodate one cystic fibrosis patient? Can the Tánaiste give me a commitment today in the Dáil that the new cystic fibrosis wing will be completed on time as these patients now need their 34 en suite bedrooms as a matter of priority?

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