Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)

The tender was conducted by St. Vincent's hospital. I commended the hospital earlier on conducting that tender in a meticulous fashion. The Deputy does not need me to tell him that, because of the prevailing circumstances in the country both on the banking side and in construction, significant legal and other issues arose during the tender process. The hospital is confident that the bidder, which has been issued with a letter of intent a few days ago, and who has 30 days to respond, will give a positive response. The expected construction period is 18 months. I hope it will be shorter but that is what is anticipated. The site is clear. There are no site works to be carried out and work is ready to proceed as soon as the tender is awarded.

To be fair, I recently met with representatives of cystic fibrosis sufferers in the mid-west in my office in Dublin. They commended the fact that there had been a significant improvement in services, as the association has done. When we are discussing the issue, at least let us acknowledge that we have been able to greatly improve services in recent years. Deputy McGrath mentioned Beaumont Hospital and Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan mentioned the new facility in Temple Street. In addition, there is the interim facility in St. Vincent's which we constructed last year at a cost of €1.6 million both on the revenue side and for the eight beds, and the new ambulatory care facility at St. Vincent's which is used for patients who do not require admission.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disorder and we have a higher incidence of it in this country than elsewhere. It is more severe here for genetic reasons. The registry which we are now funding, which was requested, will give fantastic data to be able to track improvements over time and to compare ourselves to other countries. Life expectancy for CF sufferers has increased enormously. I accept it is lower than in other countries but given the severity of the condition in this country, it will perhaps always be lower. Between 1980 and 1984 median life expectancy for men was 29.3 years and it was 22.9 years for women. In the next period, 1985 to 1994 it had increased to 42 years for men, an improvement of almost 13 years, and 37.4 years for women, an improvement of 15 years. We are making steady progress, including in terms of resources, but I accept we badly need the facility at St. Vincent's.

Unfortunately, I am not briefed at this hour of the night. I tried to use my mobile telephone to find out about the physiotherapist in Limerick. I will revert to the Deputy tomorrow. I was not aware of the case. When I met with the group recently, I do not remember that issue being mentioned. I met the consultant and parents and others. I will check the situation regarding that matter and revert to the Deputies tomorrow.

I had indicated before Deputy Reilly entered the Chamber that screening for newborns will commence this year. Professor Loftus has done a significant amount of work and the resources were provided to make that happen this year. The organ donation transplantation unit is being established this year. At the moment the clinical lead for that unit is being recruited. They are positive developments that will affect CF patients and other patients who are suitable for organ donation. Although organ donation in this country is high by international standards, the capacity to retrieve and use all the organs that are donated, other than kidneys, is not what it should be. All the advice I received and the number of conferences I have attended with interested parties would suggest that one needs key co-ordinators in emergency departments or in critical care departments around the country. It is clear that such co-ordination should be done by a national office, which is being established this year. Significant resources were invested in the establishment of the transplantation facility at the Mater hospital. Mr. Woods will be replaced. He is a key part of the surgical team in this city and in the country, working as he does in the Mater hospital and at Crumlin hospital. That process may be under way. If the recruitment process to succeed him is not under way, it will commence shortly.

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