Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of cystic fibrosis sufferers there are here; the number of isolation rooms available for inpatients with cystic fibrosis at each of the relevant State hospitals; the progress that has been made in respect of the construction of a special unit for cystic fibrosis inpatients at St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10611/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Data collected by the Cystic Fibrosis Registry indicates that there are over 1,100 people with cystic fibrosis in the Republic of Ireland. Approximately 52% are adults and 48% are children. St Vincent's University Hospital is the national adult tertiary referral centre for patients with cystic fibrosis and treats over 50% of the adult population with the condition. In recognition of the need to improve the quality of accommodation available to these patients a number of capital projects have been completed at the hospital. This includes the refurbishment of accommodation to provide eight single en suite rooms which was completed last year. A new ward block is also to be built, to include 120 beds in single en-suite accommodation. The new facility will include accommodation for cystic fibrosis patients, with appropriate isolation facilities. Design work and preparation of tender documents is continuing in respect of the development. My Department has asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the specific isolation facilities available at individual hospitals.