Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 144: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to provide a microbiological reference laboratory for testing samples from cystic fibrosis patients; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that certain samples must be sent to the UK for testing, resulting in delay in the commencement of appropriate treatment; her views on whether this delay may seriously affect the severity of the infection; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7212/05]

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 145: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to speed up the provision of single hospital rooms for patients with cystic fibrosis; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that patients are currently allocated beds in the same wards as other patients with cystic fibrosis, and with patients with other illnesses; if her attention has been drawn to the high risk of cross-infection from these patients and to the hazard that this may present to cystic fibrosis patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7213/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 144 and 145 together.

The Health Act 2004 provided for the creation of the Health Service Executive which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver or arrange to have delivered on its behalf health and personal social services. Its responsibilities include the provision of hospital services to patients with cystic fibrosis. Accordingly, my Department has requested the director of the national hospitals office of the Health Service Executive to investigate the matters raised and reply to the Deputy directly.