Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this important debate. I have raised the matter on the Adjournment on at least one occasion. It is an opportune time to discuss it again.

As a number of Deputies indicated, the matter has been brought to central focus in the past number of days because of matters evolving at St. Vincent's Hospital. Although some people might be concerned about negative politicking by some politicians, nonetheless it has brought the issue of cystic fibrosis to the fore and in that sense there may be a positive outcome. As others noted, Ireland has a very high incidence of cystic fibrosis relative to our European neighbours and we must bear this in mind as we develop policies on an ongoing basis.

Two reports have been produced. The Pollock report was commissioned by the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland. A great debt of gratitude is due to that organisation for its ongoing campaigning on behalf of people, particularly young people, who have cystic fibrosis. In addition, the HSE has taken a proactive approach by producing its own reports, developed through a multidisciplinary working group. The recommendations of both reports are actively pursued by the Government. The Pollock report emphasised physical infrastructure of which the project at St. Vincent's Hospital is very much part. I welcome the Minister's decision to find an imaginative way to ensure that the infrastructure is developed in the current economic climate. We must consider that methodology as a way of ensuring that other infrastructural projects, not only those concerning health care but also wider community issues, are put in place on an effective ongoing basis.

The HSE working group identified the requirement for consultants, nursing and allied professional staffing the cystic fibrosis units nationally. It is in that context, as a Deputy from the mid-west, that I particularly wish to speak, as I have done before. In the mid-west, adult and paediatric services for people with cystic fibrosis are provided by the multidisciplinary team at Limerick General Hospital. Services there have been enhanced by additional funding of almost €700,000 which has enabled the recruitment of additional physiotherapy, dietary and social work and medical science staff. While that is all very welcome it is now necessary to proceed with the appointment of consultants. When I spoke in the House previously commitments were given and I understand they will be honoured despite the current moratorium on staffing in the public service. For that reason, the HSE needs to make the provision of a cystic fibrosis consultant to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital. It is a priority now that it has given the go-ahead for the new cystic fibrosis unit in St. Vincent's Hospital. The Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland in the mid west has been pushing for this measure to be taken for some time. Unfortunately that appointment has not been made. Treatment positions were advertised in February, but to date the interview panel has not been put together and therefore the process through which these roles will be filled is unfortunately moving too slowly. Based on conversations I have had with the Minister and the HSE, I understand an effort is being made to ensure that progresses without delay. It is a matter of great urgency particularly for the families in the region who have campaigned for so long. It would be right and fitting to make those appointments without delay.

The announcement on St. Vincent's Hospital has given considerable hope to all cystic fibrosis sufferers in terms of showing the Government's commitment. We now need to see that transferred to the regions, in addition to what was developed for the St. Vincent's site. The latest available data on sufferers in Ireland indicate that approximately 1,161 people with cystic fibrosis are in receipt of hospital service. They are pretty well equal between male and female, and 52% are adults and 48% are children. In 2006 and 2007 additional revenue funding of almost €7 million was provided to the HSE to develop cystic fibrosis services further. It is not enough and never will be enough for those who suffer, but it shows the Government's commitment even in these very difficult times to continue to provide that funding. In 2009 the HSE provided a further €1.6 million to support the development of cystic fibrosis services, including the screening programme for newborn children which is a very important element.

Investment has also seen the recruitment of 48 additional staff in hospitals. While this investment has facilitated the appointments that have been made, we need to progress without delay the appointment of the consultants in the mid-west region to ensure people in the mid-west and on the western seaboard are provided with the services in a manner which allows them to do their business locally.

We also need to consider a wider aspect in the delivery of cystic fibrosis services, which is providing services within the community. We all recognise that hospitals by their nature are not particularly safe places. For those who suffer from cystic fibrosis, the presence in an environment where there is the potential to pick up acquired hospital bugs or anything that might affect their respiratory system must be avoided at all costs. I would encourage the HSE to continue its efforts to ensure that services are provided either at home or within the community. That is ultimately the best way to ensure that cystic fibrosis sufferers have the best chance to have the best quality of life and remain outside the hospital structure. However, when someone needs to avail of the hospital structure it is necessary that the facility exists, that it can provide the best standard of care and that the personnel with the requisite skills are also available.

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for his indulgence and I wish the Minister well in her endeavours.

See this speech in context