Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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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.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, is strongly committed to supporting services for patients with cystic fibrosis. To this end, he has set out a policy, whereby sufficient inpatient beds must be available to treat all persons with cystic fibrosis when they require hospitalisation. Cork University Hospital has the second largest adult cystic fibrosis centre in Ireland. The centre caters for the needs of 145 adult patients from the Munster region. In September 2007 Dr. Barry Plant was appointed as the director of the adult cystic fibrosis programme at Cork University Hospital. In June 2008, in consultation with the cystic fibrosis multidisciplinary team and the cystic fibrosis community locally, he submitted a statement of need for cystic fibrosis services to the executive management board of Cork University Hospital. This document which was approved by the board outlined a strategic plan to develop cystic fibrosis services in the hospital, including the provision of day and inpatient facilities.

Dr. Plant is working with the executive management board of Cork University Hospital to develop a designated inpatient unit with en suite rooms for cystic fibrosis patients. A location has been identified for a combined designated adult inpatient facility and respiratory unit in a vacated ward on the Cork University Hospital campus. Provisional plans and costings have been made, with an estimated build cost of approximately €3 million. Some €2 million has been collected by the charity mentioned by the Deputy, Build4Life, towards the cost of the facility. Build4Life has done Trojan work in this area and the HSE is examining ways to secure additional capital funding to complete the unit. The need to develop the adult inpatient facility remains a priority for Cork University Hospital and the HSE, both of which will continue to work with Build4Life to complete the project.

The Build4Life group has submitted a grant application to the Department of Health for national lottery funding of €300,000 to help to build the inpatient cystic fibrosis unit. This is one of a large number of applications being assessed by the Department. It would not be correct to say the group recently failed in its grant application. In fact, no decision has yet been reached on the group's request for funding. The Minister will make a decision as soon as possible, having regard to the various applications submitted for many other good projects. The Department will ensure Build4Life is informed of the outcome in a timely manner. The Minister is happy to reiterate his continuing commitment to developing services for people with cystic fibrosis and working with the organisations representing them to ensure the best possible service can be delivered within the resources available.

Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the response of the Minister of State who comes from the same part of the world as me. Her clarification that, contrary to what has been reported, no negative decision has been made is particularly welcome. I am sure a large number of grant applications are before the Minister, Deputy Reilly, and all of his colleagues. I am sure also that the Minister and the Minister of State will take on board the message that this application is potentially revenue-neutral from the perspective of the State. I am sure also that people play the national lottery on the basis that the profits will go to worthy causes.

I attended the 65 Roses ball in Cork city a couple of years ago. "65 Roses" was a term used by a young cystic fibrosis sufferer who could not say the words "cystic fibrosis". It was a very uplifting experience. The plight of those for whose benefit the event had been arranged pulled at the heartstrings of those in attendance. All of the volunteers do magnificent work on their own. I note the Minister has said he will review the applications made. All of us should keep the pressure on him, the Minister of State and the Department of Health to deliver for people who deserve a boost for the great work they have done and will continue to do. I emphasise that Build4Life has raised over €2 million in the last four years. I am sure it will continue to operate as a successful and well supported fundraising group.