Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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952. To ask the Minister for Health when the Health Service Executive will appoint a surgeon who is capable of performing pancreas transplants; the provisions in place for persons awaiting a pancreas transplant should a suitable organ become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31194/15]

Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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953. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons who are awaiting a pancreas transplant in the health care system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31195/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 952 and 953 together.

Six patients are currently waiting for simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplants and a further 3 patients are waiting for pancreas only transplants.

In recent months Beaumont Hospital has been 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.As St Vincent’s University Hospital is already established as the national liver transplant centre, and is a designated centre for pancreas cancer services, it is well placed to undertake pancreas transplants.The arrangements being put in place will involve transplant surgeons from both St Vincent’s University Hospital and Beaumont Hospital working together on the St Vincent’s campus.

The two hospitals, together with the HSE and my Department, are putting the necessary arrangements and protocols in place to facilitate the commencement of pancreas transplantation in St Vincent’s University Hospital in the coming weeks, should a suitable donor/recipient match occur.

Approval has been given for the appointment of a new consultant transplant surgeon for St. Vincent’s University Hospital to support the pancreatic transplant programme and recruitment will now progress. St. Vincent’s has also established a link with the pancreas transplant programme in Edinburgh's Royal Infirmary Hospital to provide oversight of the transfer of the pancreas transplant service.