Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy for raising the matter again and if he provides me with a copy of the letter I will reply to it on behalf of the Minister for Health and Children and the Deputy. It is only right and proper for us to say that the needs of cystic fibrosis patients must be respected and recognised. I took the opportunity to attend the annual gathering of the cystic fibrosis organisations in Westport recently and met with significant numbers of parents who have children with the condition. One of those parents made the point that it is not just the child in a case who must deal with cystic fibrosis but the entire family. From that perspective, attitudes and focus would change entirely because of having to deal with the condition.

Last week the Minister for Health and Children decided to bring all the various interests together to bring about a common understanding about cystic fibrosis. I am aware of the building currently under way at St. Vincent's Hospital and proposals in respect of other places around the country. Deputy McGrath should be aware that four parties issued a joint statement as a result of the Minister requiring a common interest to ensure everybody plays on the same pitch. The parties are Mr. Philip Watt, the chief executive of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland; Professor Charlie Gallagher, the lead clinician for cystic fibrosis in St. Vincent's Hospital, who has done remarkable work over the years; the chief executive of St. Vincent's Hospital; and Dr. Barry White, the national director for quality and clinical care in the HSE.

These people issued a joint statement which sets out the following:

It is Department of Health and Children policy that there must be sufficient inpatient beds to treat all people with cystic fibrosis who require hospitalisation. The number of cystic fibrosis inpatients at St. Vincent's University Hospital is expected to vary between 20 and 34. In this respect, 20 inpatient beds is a minimum and not a maximum, and the number of beds with appropriately trained staff can potentially accommodate 34 inpatients. When the beds are not required for cystic fibrosis they will be used for other inpatients with a clearly agreed protocol that there will always be beds available for patients with cystic fibrosis who require admission.

That is the joint statement from the four professionals dealing with the matter. In answer to the Deputy's question, the 20 inpatient beds are a minimum but there will always be beds for cystic fibrosis patients who need them.

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