Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The point I made is that we have achieved enormous success in a range of health services.

The Tánaiste dealt with the issue of cystic fibrosis during yesterday's Question Time and has met the people concerned, as the Deputy mentioned. St. Vincent's Hospital is the national centre for cystic fibrosis patients and we have put significant resources into the process that is under way to upgrade the service and provide additional staff. More than €300 million has been spent on the new hospital that is about to open in Elm Park. As part of a €600 million programme for the health service nationally, the Tánaiste last night announced an additional €42 million for the fit-out of St. Vincent's Hospital.

Treatment of cystic fibrosis patients is one of the high-level services the hospital provides. I hope the additional resources and staff and the ongoing process of updating the facilities will improve the delivery of this service, one of many provided at this excellent hospital.

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