Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The reason is that it is a dysfunctional health service in many ways. For people who are able to get into the service to access care and attention, the doctors, nurses and those who provide front line services do heroic work in trying and difficult circumstances. I was in University College Hospital, Galway, recently and saw at first hand what the staff must contend with and the pressure under which they work. That is the reason this is happening. I am well aware of the wonderful work, care and attention the Jack and Jill Foundation provides. That type of activity deserves support. That is why on many occasions in the past number of years we have spoken about cases where serious money was wasted within the health service. I recall pointing to the famous PPARS debacle, which cost almost €200 million and never functioned properly. That is not the way things should be for young children such as that blind five year old. For that reason we must change the system and its structure and ensure that moneys are channelled in a way whereby such children can receive the best care and attention.

The programme for Government does not go into the detail of referring to cystic fibrosis, cancer, cardiac disease, obesity or other conditions. It refers fundamentally to the dysfunctional elements of our health system which must be changed. In that respect, cystic fibrosis patients require particular types of facilities and forms of medical attention. I support that. I will ask the Minister for Health and Children to respond to the Deputy in detail about the current situation and his views on this for the future.

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