Katherine Zappone (Independent)
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I thank Mr. O'Dwyer, Professor Gallagher, Mr. Jermyn and their colleagues for agreeing to attend this meeting at such short notice. The motion my colleague, Senator Jillian van Turnhout, and I brought forward arises in the context of recent reports in the media, our specific objective being to discover whether current practices are in line with agreements made in April 2011 and July 2012. The issue was also raised by our colleague, Senator John Crown, in the Seanad.

I very much welcome the delegates' outline of the current position and ongoing developments, the approach of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland and the general approach to the care of cystic fibrosis patients. Professor Gallagher, in particular, has offered significant grounds for hope. Before conducting my research, cystic fibrosis was not a disease with which I was very familiar. I was particularly saddened to discover that the oldest sufferer in Ireland was only 62 years of age. However, I am hopeful in terms of the vision that has been set out, the research being carried out and where we are moving towards to in terms of early diagnosis and reforming the provision of the ongoing and complex care required. All of this is very much to be welcomed. I also appreciate the delegates' acknowledgement of the bravery of patients and their families, a point on which we are all in agreement.

Mr. Jermyn outlined the latest developments and gave us the relevant figures. As I understand it, within the particular week to which reference was made, there may have been instances where it was found that aspects of the agreements and statements devised in respect of the partnership approach could not be put in place. Will Mr. Jermyn clarify whether the required one to two inpatient rooms in the Nutley wing for emergency admissions were, in fact, available? It seems there were 20 inpatient beds utilised, but the agreement indicates that this can be flexed up to 34. From what Mr. Jermyn said, however, it appears that this could not be done on one occasion during the week in question, whether for one day or some other length of time. Will he clarify whether that was the case? Have there been other occasions on which the hospital has not been able to implement the agreements and statements put in place?

In his first major public statement on the matter the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, indicated that the provision of 34 beds was agreed to and should be available. In reading through the statements and agreements, however, it is not absolutely clear to me that there is a specific commitment that 34 beds - in single isolated rooms with the appropriate staff and equipment, in accordance with international standards - will always be available. Will Mr. Jermyn indicate whether it is the intention to include that absolute commitment in the agreements?

My last question has already been answered to some extent. I heard that the HSE would come back to the committee with a report on what has been agreed. I am also keen to know, however, whether in those discussions the HSE will put in place a framework for review. If so, perhaps the HSE can inform the committee what that framework for review will consist of, so that we will know how the monitoring and reporting is taking place.