Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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455. To ask the Minister for Health the reason the Pancreatic Transplant Unit at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9 was closed down in January 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15357/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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At the end of 2014, two consultant transplant surgeons left the renal and pancreas transplant programme at Beaumont Hospital, one on retirement and the second on leave of absence for professional development purposes. Given the limited number of surgeons who specialise in transplantation, any vacancies pose a challenge. While every effort is being made to fill the vacancies, remaining surgeons are available to provide transplant services.

Beaumont Hospital is also collaborating with other transplant services in relation to a combined approach to kidney/pancreas transplants, as well as the development of an intra-abdominal organ retrieval service. Pancreatic transplants, of which 6 were performed in 2014, are expected to continue this year.

Officials from the HSE and my Department are actively working with senior management and the transplant surgeons at Beaumont Hospital on the development of renal transplant services.