James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I wish to address a comment made on today's Order of Business concerning the cystic fibrosis unit. The chief operations officer of the special delivery unit, SDU, will meet the CEO of St. Vincent's hospital this Friday to agree the final statement on the cystic fibrosis unit's operating protocol. The transfer of patients to the unit will commence at the end of the month. In the unlikely event of difficulties, I will intervene to ensure that matters are brought to a satisfactory conclusion.

Maintenance charges in hospitals were increased in January and should increase the budget intake by €18 million. The concept of money following the patient was mentioned. It yielded €6 million last year and will deliver more this year.

See this speech in context