Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland, ODTI, has advised that it is not feasible for Ireland to undertake paediatric heart transplants until the new children’s hospital is opened.

The Health Information and Quality Authority undertook a health technology assessment to evaluate the treatment and transport options for priority 1 transfer patients. The majority of priority 1 transfer patients are paediatric patients transferring to the United Kingdom to undergo heart or liver transplant surgery. The health technology assessment focuses on options for the transfer of these patients but also explores commissioning paediatric heart and liver national transplantation centres in Ireland as a potential long-term alternative. HIQA advises that, "[g]iven the significant capital and staffing resources that are required, it may be more realistic to consider the development of a transplant service in the context of the opening of the new children’s hospital rather than in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin". The Department of Health will undertake a detailed analysis of the health technology assessment in order to consider longer term options in detail and is working with the HSE to consider the best option to address the service need in the medium term.

The Minister gave his approval for the establishment and funding of an All-Island Congenital Heart Disease Network centred on Crumlin hospital and serving as an all-island centralised hub for paediatric cardiothoracic surgery and interventional cardiology. The All-Island Congenital Heart Disease Network is an example of what can be achieved in health terms by collaboration between North and South. It reflects the commitment of people, North and South, and the Government’s commitment, to the provision of an optimal congenital heart disease service, with the critical mass to provide safe, high-quality outcomes for congenital cardiac surgery and associated cardiology services for all children and young people in Ireland. This network will ensure that a very vulnerable group of sick children and young people get the best level of care, no matter where they come from on the island. It clearly demonstrates the potential of North-South collaboration on health care to bring tangible benefits and outcomes for patients across the island of Ireland.

That concludes my statement and I look forward to hearing the thoughts and views of Senators on the direction the health service should take and to our continued engagement on health matters. I am joined by officials who will be taking notes and helping with responses towards the end of the debate.