Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 53: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to research produced by the Cystic Fibrosis Association showing that cystic fibrosis sufferers in the Republic are dying nine years earlier than their counterparts in Northern Ireland due to a basic lack of care; the steps being taken to address this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8537/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I wish to see significant improvement in the level of services available to persons with cystic fibrosis. I am aware of the current service deficits in this area which are widely acknowledged and which have been identified most notably in the Pollock report, and by the Health Service Executive working group which is looking at this issue. As part of the overall funding for health services in 2006, additional revenue funding of €4.78 million has been allocated specifically for the development of cystic fibrosis services.

My Department is advised that the working group is due to report shortly and will be making specific recommendations on a range of service improvements required for persons with cystic fibrosis, in particular the need to increase the level of clinical, nursing and allied health professional staffing in cystic fibrosis units around the country. As part of the implementation process I have asked the HSE to address in particular the identified deficits at the national adult referral centre at St. Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin.