Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response because it is important we keep an eye on this issue. As the Minister stated, 350 cystic fibrosis patients regularly use the unit. My experience is that the services and individual en suite rooms in the Nutley wing work. Many of us campaigned for them for many years. When the weather or climate changes, or we have an issue with mass infections or various types of flu, there could be a surge in the number of people wishing to use the cystic fibrosis unit at St. Vincent's Hospital. The Minister stated there is no waiting list and I would like him to confirm that when people turn up at St. Vincent's Hospital with cystic fibrosis complications, they do not hang around but immediately obtain a bed. We must be proactive on this issue, especially in light of our climate.

See this speech in context