Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 72: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in providing isolation beds and other appropriate services for patients suffering from cystic fibrosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26320/09]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 135: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will report on the case of a person (details supplied); when surgery will be carried out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26530/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 135 together.

Dedicated additional funding of nearly €7 million has been invested to date in the development of cystic fibrosis services, resulting in nearly 50 additional staff, including consultant, nurses and allied health professionals, being appointed to centres across the country. A further €1.6 million is being provided this year to support services.

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. Refurbishment work took place last year in the 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 facility will include accommodation for cystic fibrosis patients with appropriate isolation facilities for the treatment of their condition.

Clinical and infrastructural needs at St. Vincent's will determine the configuration of beds across various specialties. There has been no upper limit placed by the hospital or the HSE on the allocation of beds to a particular specialty.

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. Tenders for this development will be issued shortly, which should result in the signing of a contract before the end of the year. It is intended that the construction, equipping and commissioning of this block will be completed as early as possible in 2011.