Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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469. To ask the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the delay in bringing the Beaumont renal transplant programme into operation, which requires the recruitment of transplant surgeons, thus reducing the cost to the State of the medical care of patients on dialysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13995/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The kidney transplant programme at Beaumont Hospital has not been de-prioritised in any way and is continuing to operate.

At the end of 2014, two consultant transplant surgeons left the programme, one on retirement and the second on leave of absence for professional development purposes. Given the limited number of surgeons who specialise in renal transplantation, any vacancies pose a challenge. While every effort is being made to fill the vacancies, adequate surgeons are available to provide transplant services. All available kidneys suitable for transplantation have been utilised and no kidneys have been exported.

Beaumont Hospital is collaborating with other transplant services in relation to the development of an intra-abdominal organ retrieval service as well as a combined approach to kidney/pancreas transplants.

The deceased donor transplant programme is largely dependent on the generosity of families at a time of immense grief. While donor numbers were lower in 2014 than the previous year, numbers are subject to fluctuation year on year. Additional funding of almost €3m has been provided to the HSE’s Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland to facilitate the development of the most appropriate infrastructure to support organ donation and transplantation. The extra investment includes provision for the appointment of 19 whole-time-equivalent staff dedicated to organ donation and transplantation across the country. These staff will work to foster a strong culture of organ donation and to optimise conversion rates.

It is envisaged that the measures being put in place will lead to an increase in organ donation and successful transplants, thereby reducing waiting times for patients on the transplant waiting list and also the need for dialysis in these cases.