John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

In the few minutes I have left, perhaps I can refer to some of the points that were raised. I want to clarify a point raised by Deputy Charles Flanagan, who referred to the provision of special vests for CF patients at a cost of €13,000. It is important to point out in this debate that the decision not to provide the vests was based on a review by an expert group. It had nothing to do with costings or funding. That multi-disciplinary expert group found there was insufficient evidence to support the provision of the vests and the position will be revisited if the evidence changes. Rather than have people of the view that it was purely a case of the Government trying to reduce overhead, the facts are far different, as the figures from 2006 can confirm, and given the commitment for 2011. I believe that as I am sure many other people do.

I thank Deputy Upton for the issue she raised and wish to respond on the national lung transplant unit at the Mater hospital. The Minister, Deputy Harney, described earlier the specific challenges in finding suitable donors for CF patients and the strict, and indeed stringent, clinical criteria regarding the acceptability of organs. We need to increase the number of organ donations and this is being addressed in a number of ways. I am glad to have the opportunity to mention the recent launch of the 2009 organ awareness campaign involving public consultation on how best to deal with the issues of consent for organ transplantation - to be dealt with in the forthcoming human tissue Bill. Plans are being finalised by the HSE to proactively increase donations through hospitals and intensive care units.

We listened to the presentations made to the Committee on Health and Children on cystic fibrosis and additional funding of nearly €7 million has been invested to date in the development of services, resulting in nearly 50 additional staff, including consultants, nurses and allied health professionals. A further €1.6 million is being provided this year to support those services. In addition to significant revenue investments, a programme of infrastructural support has been completed. A cystic fibrosis register which has been established with State funding will allow us to make meaningful international comparisons. I believe in the Minister's ability to deliver and the commitments she has made remain solid and sincere.

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