Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Reilly for bringing this serious motion before the House. Many promises have been made over the years, but it is certain that in this case the Government has reacted to interest groups and political pressure. People vote for Governments to act, not to react. I must admit that when she took over from the previous Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney was a welcome breath of fresh air. Some 200 reports had been commissioned at a major cost to the taxpayer and involving long delays. Most of those reports were commissioned to stall necessary progress. The Pollock report was an independent review of cystic fibrosis services in Ireland, which highlighted findings of inadequate staffing and underfunding.

I appreciate that the Minister has a difficult job to do in reforming the health service. When she delivers I will compliment her, but on this occasion cystic fibrosis sufferers in the Twenty-six Counties were let down. As has been highlighted, CF patients north of the Border live ten years longer than those in the South. The shorter lifespan here is a disgrace.

Many organisations are active in various health areas. My father was on kidney dialysis. I pay tribute to groups involved in this and other areas such as multiplesclerosis. They provide an important service which the Government should deliver. For example, they organise flag days and make available resources. While the Department works closely with such groups, much greater co-operation is required.

The recent announcement on the new facility for the treatment of cystic fibrosis gives fresh hope. I assume it has been made candidly and openly and I look forward to the Minister delivering on the Government's promise. We must look to the future rather than dwelling on the past and I hope cystic fibrosis sufferers in this country will have a more secure future than has been the case to date.

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