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Hospital Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2004

Thursday, 30 September 2004

Ceisteanna (147, 148)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

148 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the transplant unit promised for the Mater Hospital by the Government in 2000 never opened; when it is likely to open; and if it will be fully-funded by the Government. [23145/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

149 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health and Children if the equipment for the transplant unit is in place in the Mater Hospital, Dublin; and if the unit never opened, if it was due to the fact that Government funding for the operation of such a unit was never forthcoming. [23146/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 149 together.

Services at the Mater Hospital are provided under an arrangement with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. The lung transplant unit at the Mater Hospital was formally opened by the Taoiseach in March 2004. My Department is advised that the Mater Hospital is proposing to carry out three lung transplants this year, and hopes to increase this level of activity to at least 15 transplants per annum as the programme develops. In addition, an agreement is in place with the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle which provides for a minimum of 15 lung transplants to be performed on Irish patients in the 12 month period to 31 March 2005, subject to the availability of suitable organs. The position can be further reviewed in the event of additional donor organs being available.

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