Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the promised provision of a cystic fibrosis unit at St. Vincent's Hospital; her views on the lack of funding given to cystic fibrosis generally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17602/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I acknowledge the need to develop services for persons with cystic fibrosis. I identified this as a key priority in 2006 and again in 2007. Development funding of €4.78 million was provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE) 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.

I also asked the HSE to address in particular the identified deficits at the national adult referral centre at St. Vincent's University Hospital. My Department is advised by the HSE that recent interim improvements at the hospital have resulted in additional capacity for persons with cystic fibrosis. In addition, the HSE has approved the establishment of a Project Team to progress the next phase of the ongoing major capital development at St. Vincent's. A new Unit for persons with cystic fibrosis has been identified by the HSE as one of a number of priority projects to be included in the development.

In 2005, the HSE established a Working Group to undertake a detailed review of cystic fibrosis services. The Group was asked to review the current configuration and delivery of services to persons with cystic fibrosis in Ireland. The Working Group has completed its work and its report is with the Executive.