Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Chair for his greetings, although I am not sure who told him that today is my birthday. I wish him, all our colleagues and the staff of the Houses a happy Easter.

I welcome the opportunity to make a brief contribution to this important debate. I have listened carefully to the comments of a number of Deputies. This morning, I was impressed to hear our colleague, Deputy Finian McGrath, welcoming the progress that has been made in recent days. In fairness to him, he is clearly acknowledged as a strong campaigner on this issue, particularly with regard to the St. Vincent's Hospital facility. That is the benchmark for this debate. I agree with those who have called on the Minister, Deputy Mary Harney, to continue to engage with the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland, which I compliment on its efforts. I hope she will do so. I am glad the Minister of State, Deputy John Moloney, is here. I know he has a particular interest in this subject. It is particularly important for the Department of Health and Children to continue to listen to the concerns of parents, who should be facilitated because they are in the firing line.

I do not want to repeat the points previous speakers have made. I will put this debate into context. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disorder that affects the lungs and the digestion of food, leading to frequent chest infections and under-nutrition. It affects many body functions and becomes more severe with age. It affects males and females in equal measure. I understand that for genetic reasons, Ireland has a high incidence of cystic fibrosis, relative to its European neighbours. The latest available data indicate that 1,161 people with cystic fibrosis are living in this country and in receipt of hospital services. I understand that approximately 52% of them are adults and 48% of them are children. I will focus on children's services. Like other Deputies, I am a member of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, which is chaired by Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl. I compliment one of the other members of the committee, Deputy James Reilly, on his efforts as far as this issue is concerned. I wish him well.

Members will have heard me speaking about paediatric services on many occasions. During most debates of this nature, I am keen to comment on the future of children's services in the Dublin region, particularly at Tallaght Hospital. In the context of this debate, it is important to point out that Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin, which is near Tallaght, is the location of the national referral centre that provides specialist services to children with cystic fibrosis. The HSE was approached by the hospital in 2008 with regard to a proposal to develop a four-bedded isolation facility for the inpatient accommodation of children with cystic fibrosis. The hospital indicated there was an opportunity to avail of charitable support which might be pursued immediately and I understand the project is advancing accordingly. Significant investment of over €1 million since 2006 has enabled the appointment of eight consultant posts.

Paediatric services are provided at other centres including Tallaght Hospital which works jointly with the team in Crumlin Children's Hospital. These services will eventually combine in the new national children's hospital proposed for the Mater Hospital site. That is an agenda for another day.

Investment of almost €700,000 in the National Children's Hospital in Tallaght has allowed for the enhancement of services for people with cystic fibrosis and I am very glad to support that. The hospital also provides an active research programme in cystic fibrosis infection, including national surveillance of infection control and bacteria in cystic fibrosis. For the majority of children who suffer from cystic fibrosis care is delivered on an ambulatory care basis.

The Leas Cheann-Comhairle will be aware that on the north side of the city, Temple Street Children's Hospital is currently developing a dedicated respiratory unit which will comprise a self-contained floor for the care of patients with cystic fibrosis and respiratory ailments. This will include a new laboratory treatment room, consulting rooms and walk-in access to clinical nurse specialists. The unit is due to open later this year.

I prefaced my remarks by stating that such progress has been welcomed. It is important that we give people confidence and hope for the future, even in these difficult economic times. I shall continue to support cystic fibrosis patients and their association.

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