Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 140: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress in setting up an interim isolation unit for cystic fibrosis patients at St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9306/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Service Executive has made provision within its draft Capital Plan for a new ward block to be built at St. Vincent's University Hospital. The new ward block will include 120 replacement beds for patients, including persons with cystic fibrosis. My Department is advised that planning approval has been received, contract notices were published on the 29th February and that it is proposed to award a contract by the end of 2008. The construction period is estimated at two years.

In the interim, the HSE has been working closely with St. Vincent's to progress interim improvements. This includes fast-tracking the re-development of a ward which is adjacent to the main treatment area for cystic fibrosis patients. The HSE has advised my Department that this interim project is to commence shortly and will provide a minimum of six single rooms.

On completion, additional work will begin to provide a further eight single rooms.

The HSE has previously advised my Department that this is to result in a total of fourteen single rooms for cystic fibrosis patients by the end of the summer.