Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 194: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress she has made in putting together a plan for the provision of additional cystic fibrosis beds; the timelines for this development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21349/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Refurbishment work took place last year in St Vincent's University Hospital to provide eight single en-suite rooms for the exclusive use of people with cystic fibrosis.

The next stage in the development of St. Vincent's Hospital will involve the building of a new ward block to replace existing accommodation. The new ward block will include accommodation for cystic fibrosis patients.

I am anxious to ensure that the project is delivered without delay. The HSE, in partnership with St. Vincent's Hospital, have structured the tender for this development in such a way that payments for the works can be deferred towards the end of the construction period.

The design team have been instructed to proceed on this basis. They have now signed off on the design and will shortly be going to tender for the construction of the new building. It is intended that the construction, equipping and commissioning of this block will be completed as early as possible in 2011.