Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

The Minister's answer epitomises what has happened on this issue since 2002. In 2002, 120 children with type 1 diabetes were treated at Cork University Hospital. This year, it is estimated that number will rise to between 207 and 215. As the Minister correctly stated, discussions between the parents' support group and the HSE are ongoing and have been taking place for 18 months. Local representatives are also involved in discussions. We hear different versions of the answer given by the Minister every time we attend a meeting.

The Minister's answer in written form, which I assume is correct because she has responsibility for this matter, states two full-time permanent clinical nurses will be in place from 12 November. Two weeks ago, the Deputies for the area were told two full-time nurses would be in place from 10 November but that one of them would be paid for by the private sector with a grant of €40,000 for one year and the other position would be filled by two part-time nurses.

It is easy to understand how the parents involved have become frustrated. No one knows what is the exact position or what it will be. The HSE states progress is being made and it has an estimate in for what the parents seek, including a full-time consultant — who will now be shared with other paediatric services — and three full-time specialist diabetic paediatric nurses. At present, 1.5 such nurses are in place, one of them for only one year. The parents also need a space dedicated to their needs instead of sharing with everyone else as they do now.

What the parents need to know is what the position will be. The requests made by the HSE are for a full-time consultant, a full-time dietician with expertise in this area and three specialist paediatric nurses with clinical expertise. I am sure the Minister has examined the Estimates for this year, particularly for this area. Is the answer given by the Minister today the same as that which the parents will receive next week?

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