Vol. 554 No. 5
902 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will assist the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland in its efforts for a transplant unit in Dublin; and if this service will be provided urgently. [15418/02]
924 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of a heart and lung transplant facility here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15498/02]
996 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when he expects that the first lung transplant operation can be scheduled here. [15848/02]
997 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the amount it will cost to establish a lung transplant unit here; the details of any 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 timeframe planned for the provision of such a unit; the amount of funding which has been set aside for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15849/02]
999 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a lung transplant unit will be established here; and the progress which has been made since the last question placed on this topic earlier in 2002. [15851/02]
1149 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will ensure the establishment of a heart and lung transplant unit at the Mater Hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16812/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 902, 924, 996, 997, 999 and 1149 together.
The provision of a lung transplant unit at the Mater Hospital forms part of a major capital development approved for the hospital. I am pleased to report that considerable preparatory work has already been completed ahead of the commencement of lung transplantation in Ireland. The final report of the expert consultative group, established to advise my Department on the many issues associated with the development of this complex programme, was received in recent weeks by my Department from the Eastern Regional Health Authority. This submission is being examined as a priority within my Department.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that revenue funding in excess of €3 million has already been provided to support the enhancement of lung transplant services for Irish patients, including the appointment of key transplant personnel to this new programme.
In terms of the timescale for the introduction of the programme I am advised that the Mater Hospital proposes to commence lung transplantation over the coming weeks. The resource requirements for the programme are being progressed in the context of the 2003 Estimates process.
Pending the establishment of lung transplantation in this country, an agreement is in place with the Freeman Hospital in the UK for the treatment of Irish patients. To date 24 patients from this country have received a transplant at the Freeman Hospital under the agreement. This contract will continue while the necessary arrangements are being progressed in terms of establishing the programme in Ireland.
Finally, it is also important to note that lungs donated in Ireland have been retrieved by the medical team at Newcastle and have helped to facilitate this additional transplant work at Newcastle for the benefit of Irish patients.
