Michael Ring
Question:329 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be admitted to Galway Regional Hospital on the third provisional admission date that they have been given. [3224/03]
Written Answers. - Hospital Services.
The provision of medical services in this instance is the responsibility of the Western Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the position in this case and to reply directly to the Deputy.
Michael Ring
Question:330 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount it will cost to establish a lung transplant unit here; the feasibility reports or studies carried out on the possibility of setting up such a unit; the plans the Government has to provide such a unit; the time-frame planned for the provision of such a unit; the funding which has been set aside for this project in 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3244/03]
Michael Ring
Question:331 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount of funding for the establishment of a heart and lung transplant unit in the Mater Hospital which has been sanctioned for 2003; the progress which has been made in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3245/03]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:415 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to commitments given in respect of heart and lung transplant facilities here; when this proposal was first raised or a commitment entered into; the format in which; the status of the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3746/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 330, 331 and 415 together.
The previous programme for Government, An Action Programme for the Millennium, contained a specific commitment to support the establishment of a heart and lung transplant facility in Ireland. Arising from this commitment an expert consultative group was established to advise my Department on the many issues associated with the development of this complex programme. The consultative group completed its assessment last year of the many issues involved in establishing a lung transplant programme in Ireland.
I am pleased to advise that arrangements are being put in place to facilitate the commencement of this service in 2003. Considerable preparatory work has already been completed including the provision of appropriate assessment facilities required to support the development of the service and the appointment of key transplant personnel at the Mater Hospital which has been designated at the surgical site for the programme. Revenue funding of €7.9 million has been provided in the current year to support the commencement of the programme.