Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 52: To ask the Minister for Health if he will report on progress in the development of the new cystic fibrosis unit at St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin and of other services for persons with this condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32967/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The construction contract for the new ward block at St Vincent's University Hospital is proceeding according to plan, within budget and on time. Completion of building works is scheduled for April 2012, after which the building can be brought into use for service delivery. This new building will play a vital role in the treatment of patients with Cystic Fibrosis and a range of other ailments.

Other services for cystic fibrosis sufferers are also provided at the following hospitals:-

Beaumont Hospital

Crumlin Children's Hospital

Cork University Hospital

Waterford Regional Hospital

University College Hospital, Galway

Mayo General Hospital

Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.

I will forward up to date details regarding these services directly to the Deputy in the very near future. In the primary care setting Cystic Fibrosis sufferers access the normal primary care services. Public Health Nurses and primary care physiotherapists provide a range of support, services and advice to CF sufferers.

Since 1 July 2011 screening of newborn children for cystic fibrosis has been integrated into the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme. This will allow for early diagnosis and intervention leading to better outcomes for children with cystic fibrosis. The National Centre for Medical Genetics, based at Crumlin Children's Hospital, is closely involved in the implementation of this service.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 53: To ask the Minister for Health if he could, in view of the reductions in patient services at both acute and non-acute hospitals across the country, outline to Dáil Eireann which hospitals have been assigned to cover the gap in service provision at each of the affected hospitals; the additional measures that have been put in place to help cover the gap in service provision; if he will outline by means of a detailed map the service-reassignments and other related measures which have been put in place across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33030/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Government intends to publish a Framework for the Development of Smaller Hospitals, which will set out the way these hospitals provide services to patients and how they work within their regional hospital networks. The Framework and its implementation is a priority of the Government.

In developing the Framework, the Government is clear that:

- there is an important future role for smaller hospitals, in which they will provide services for more patients, not fewer

- no acute hospital will close, and

- safety issues in all acute hospitals, big or small, must be fully addressed, by providing the right type of services in the right settings.

We also need to take into account the individual circumstances of each hospital, to recognise the need for regional solutions and, within the excellent context provided by the HSE's clinical programmes, to encourage local innovation in response to service issues that arise locally or regionally. The best solutions will vary between regions and within the overall context referred to there is no question of a 'one size fits all' approach.

We will arrange extensive consultation to ensure we develop an effective framework that takes account of local and regional needs. This process of consultation will begin shortly. I have already said that the reorganisation of our acute system must involve a two way transfer of services between the larger and smaller hospitals, and that as much of the less complex acute treatment should be provided as close to a patient's community as possible. I expect that the model for reassignment of services will be a dynamic one, capable of adapting to the changing needs of patients and the health service, nationally, regionally and locally, and the evolving nature of medical treatment and technology.