Paddy McHugh (Galway East, Independent)
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Question 83: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her proposals to address the seriously inadequate staffing levels for cystic fibrosis services as identified in a recent independent report on cystic fibrosis facilities; if the necessary resources will be made available to address the inadequacies outlined in the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21823/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I have seen the report which the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland commissioned from Dr. Ronnie Pollock. The report reviewed existing hospital services for people with cystic fibrosis in the context of accepted international standards and concluded that the services available for persons with cystic fibrosis in this country are not up to standard.

The report provides an assessment of current and future needs of cystic fibrosis patients. It makes recommendations regarding the numbers and categories of staff that are appropriate for a modern, multidisciplinary cystic fibrosis service. Following publication of the report, the Health Service Executive, at the request of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland, established a working group to review the current configuration and delivery of services to persons with cystic fibrosis in Ireland, both in hospitals and in the community. The working group will also make recommendations for the reconfiguration, improvement and development of those services.

The working group is multidisciplinary in its composition and includes representation from the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland. It held its first meeting in early April and hopes to complete its work over the next few months. The Pollock report is one of a number of reports relating to cystic fibrosis services being considered by the group. The work of the group will result in an agreed proposal for the development and reconfiguration of services for cystic fibrosis patients in Ireland.