Martin Ferris
Ceist:296 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if his Department will provide a cystic fibrosis transplant unit here. [25055/02]
Written Answers. - Hospital Services.
I presume the Deputy is referring to the provisions of a lung transplant unit. The provision of such a unit at the Mater Hospital forms part of a major capital development approved for the hospital. Considerable preparatory work has already been completed ahead of the commencement of lung transplantation in Ireland.
Revenue funding in excess of €3 million has already been provided to support the enhancement of lung transplant services for Irish patients, including persons with cystic fibrosis. Additional funding of €4.5 million is being provided to further develop this programme in 2003. This will facilitate the early commencement of lung transplantation at the Mater Hospital.
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. This agreement will continue while the necessary arrangements are being progressed in terms of establishing the programme in Ireland.