Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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539. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the transplant programme at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, specifically since the retirement of a person (details supplied); the names and specialties of those currently so engaged at the hospital; his plans to develop the transplant programme at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22987/15]

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. The remaining transplant surgeons in Beaumont are as follows:

- Ms. Dilly Little, Consultant Transplant Surgeon/Urologist

- Mr. Ponnusamy Mohan, Consultant Transplant Surgeon/Urologist

- Mr. Richard Power, Consultant Transplant Surgeon/Urologist

- Mr. Gordon Smyth, Consultant Transplant Surgeon/Urologist.

Given the limited number of surgeons who specialise in transplantation, the filling of any vacancies poses a challenge. Every effort is currently being made to fill the two vacancies.

Beaumont Hospital is also collaborating with St Vincent’s University Hospital in relation to a combined approach to kidney/pancreas transplants, as well as the development of an intra-abdominal organ retrieval service. It is proposed that pancreatic transplants, of which 6 were performed in 2014, will move to St Vincent’s University Hospital this year. Most pancreas transplants are combined with a kidney transplant. The arrangements being put in place for such cases will involve transplant surgeons from both St Vincent’s Hospital and Beaumont Hospital working together on the St Vincent’s campus.