Vol. 547 No. 1
465 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will consult with the Mater Hospital and the Eastern Regional Health Authority to establish the Irish lung transplant unit; the measures he will take to ensure that the unit will be established during the life of the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1062/02]
466 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on whether the Mater Hospital has the commitment, competence and resources to establish the Irish lung transplant unit; if so, when the unit will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1063/02]
467 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the fact that the Irish lung transplant unit has not been established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1064/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 465 to 467, inclusive, together.
I am committed to supporting the establishment of a lung transplant facility in Ireland and to ensuring that the programme, when introduced, will be in a position to match the highest international standards in lung and heart and lung transplantation. The Mater Hospital in Dublin has been designated as the surgical site for the programme. The provision of a transplant unit forms part of a major capital development at the Mater Hospital. An expert consultative group, which includes representatives of the Mater Hospital and the Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA, was established to advise on the development of the programme. The report of the consultative group has recently been received and is being considered by my Department. My Department will be in contact with the Hospital and the ERHA shortly to progress the matter. Pending the establishment of an Irish based programme, an agreement is in place with the Freeman Hospital in the UK for the treatment of Irish patients requiring a lung or heart and lung transplant.
