Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 134: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the extent of under dialysing of patients due to pressure of time and waiting lists; if her attention has been drawn to the extent of consequences for the health of patients arising from insufficient dialysing; if evidence of this kind has been presented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37322/05]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 135: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of renal dialysis units currently in operation here; the number treated each year for the past five years and the estimated cost of each treatment where persons attend at renal dialysis units in hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37323/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 135 together.

In line with the commitment given in the national health strategy, Quality and Fairness — A Health System For You, a national review of renal services is being undertaken by the Health Service Executive. The purpose of the review is to make recommendations for a high quality and patient-centred renal service to meet current and projected demand, having regard to current best practice and the need to obtain the best use of and maximum benefit from the resources available. It is expected that the review will be completed in 2006. Additional revenue of €8 million is being provided to the HSE in 2006 to support the provision of dialysis facilities and the development of a living-related renal donor programme. This brings to €36 million the total additional funding provided since 2000 to meet increasing national demand for renal services. The Department of Health and Children has asked the parliamentary affairs division of the HSE to arrange to have the specific matters investigated and for a reply to issue directly to the Deputy.