Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Question 632: To ask the Minister for Health the current population for cystic fibrosis treatment; the length of time for access to a consultant; the number of beds available to meet the needs of cystic fibrosis patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3572/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Cystic Fibrosis Registry of Ireland project was established in 2001 to keep the relevant medical records of each patient with cystic fibrosis in a central database and is funded by the Department of Health and the HSE. The CFRI Annual Report for 2009 states that there were 1105 people diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis currently registered with the CFRI. The Report indicates that this figure represents approximately 89.2% of the total Cystic Fibrosis population in Ireland. The CFRI's annual census of living patients with Cystic Fibrosis indicates that there were 1,151 persons with a known diagnosis attending centres and clinics in the Republic of Ireland in 2009.

Given the need to avoid the exposure of CF patients to possible sources of infection, the aim of the HSE and hospitals is to minimise wherever possible, the need to admit such patients to hospital. Therefore the objective is to provide treatment for such patients on an ambulatory daycare basis, as close as possible to their home.

I recently approved a lotto grant of €150,000 to Build Life Cystic Fibrosis group in Cork/Kerry towards the cost of a plan for a dedicated 10 bed unit for Cystic Fibrosis in Cork University Hospital. I will be reviewing this project positively this year. The new unit at St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin is due to open in June 2012. I intend to actively examine some other projects to provide extra services for CF patients. I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the issues of overall bed numbers and waiting times for consultant appointments.