Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 246: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the amount of money allocated in the Estimates for 2006 for the creation of new medical posts for the treatment of cystic fibrosis; the amount of money that was spent and left unspent during 2006; the reason for the failure to spend the money allocated; the steps being taken to fill these badly needed positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8308/07]

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

I have identified the enhancement of services for people with cystic fibrosis as a key priority in 2006 and again in 2007. Development funding of €4.78 million was provided to the Health Service Executive in 2006 to facilitate the recruitment of additional medical, nursing and allied health professional staff to improve services for cystic fibrosis patients. Additional funding of €2 million has been allocated this year to build on the investment provided in 2006.

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issues raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.