Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to raise the issue of facilities for cystic fibrosis sufferers in Munster. Approximately 25% of all cystic fibrosis sufferers in the Republic of Ireland have their treatment managed through Cork University Hospital. Unfortunately, Ireland has a disproportionately high number of cystic fibrosis sufferers and, until recently, the State was neglectful in mitigating the challenges faced by sufferers.

There is serious concern in the Munster area about recent media comments which may perhaps be untrue. The Build4Life charity has done a magnificent job in raising over €2 million towards the cost of completion of an inpatient facility at Cork University Hospital to complement the existing outpatient facility. In consultation with the consultant, Dr. Barry Plant, and the hospital, Build4Life has put together a proposal, whereby the facility can be built for €2.3 million. As part of the proposal, an application has been made to the Department of Health for €300,000 in national lottery funding. I do not have time to speak at length about the obvious medical need for this facility. However, it seems the provision of national lottery funding would be an entirely appropriate way of coming up with the money needed - it is not much more than 10% of the total cost - to allow the project to commence and be completed. It is important to mention that, in the light of the public employment embargo, with which we are all familiar, no additional staffing costs will be associated with the project. The ongoing medical treatment can be provided from within existing resources.

A broader point needs to be made in the context of the percentage required. The group undertaking to seek the balance of the moneys is a charity. Therefore, in VAT alone a figure of €400,000 would come back to the Exchequer. We are aware of the difficult financial position the country is in. However, there is potential for the Government to examine carefully schemes that would create work in the construction sector. As a result of PRSI payments, social welfare reductions and VAT payments, for example, the real cost to the Exchequer of such projects following the release of public funds might be very small. It seems from the figures I have seen that there would be a net benefit to the Exchequer if the money were to be found in this instance.

I know the Minister is extremely sympathetic to the plight of cystic fibrosis sufferers. I appeal to him, therefore, to examine carefully the case being made in this instance and find the sum of money being sought by a group of volunteers who have done outstanding work.

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