John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I, too, welcome the opportunity to say a few words in this debate while recognising the important of the Private Members' motion before the House.

I thank Deputies for their contributions and would like to respond to a number of the points made. At the outset, I should like to confirm the commitment, not just of the Government but in particular of the Minister, Deputy Mary Harney. Over several months, the Minister has shown a particular commitment on this matter and clearly substantial progress has been made since 2006 in developing services in this area.

I recall when I was Chairman of the Joint Committee on Health and Children, many presentations were made to it as regards investment and development in the level of cystic fibrosis services. I know health, progress and money cannot be mentioned in the same sentence, but at the same time when we are being criticised for lack of interest it is worth putting on the record that in 2006-07 additional revenue funding of €6.78 million was provided to develop cystic fibrosis services. In 2009 a further €1.6 million was provided and I refer to those particular figures lest people develop the impression that the Government is not committed, by way of the deferral. That does not take away for a minute the very serious commitment made by this Minister.

I will make one small political point, having listened to people opposite, particularly Deputy Reilly who tried to reduce the Minister's word. Regardless of what a speaker's political persuasion is, he or she should know that the Minister, Deputy Mary Harney has always had integrity, honesty and decency. That is known throughout this country and it is important to restate it.

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