Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason the national referral centre for paediatric immunology has no full-time consultant immunologist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41981/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin is the largest tertiary paediatric hospital in the State treating the type of complex cases associated with incidents of drug interactions and allergic reactions. The increasing complexity of cases, allied with the expanding spectrum of therapies for diverse diseases, has highlighted the need to strengthen the level of paediatric immunology services available in Ireland.

In order to do this, I am pleased to say that the HSE has provided funding to support two consultant immunology posts structured as follows:

(a) Consultant paediatric immunologist with a special interest in paediatric allergy. The post will be deployed with 24 hours in Our Lady's Children's Hospital, 10 hours in Tallaght Hospital and 3 hours in St James's Hospital, and

(b) Consultant paediatrician with a special interest in primary immune deficiency. The post will be deployed with 24 hours in Our Lady's Children's Hospital, 10 hours in the Children's University Hospital, Temple Street and 3 hours in St James's Hospital.

The two new consultant posts will ensure the investigation, clinical assessment, treatment and holistic management of patients with

Primary immune deficiency (Children born with defective immune systems)

Secondary immune deficiency (patients whose immune systems become impaired because of other conditions or treatments)

Allergies and Anaphylaxis

Auto-inflammatory disorders such as disorganised immunity or periodic fever syndromes.

The establishment of the two consultant posts, based in Our Lady's Children's Hospital, will support the integrated management of such disorders and thus improved outcomes.