Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 13, 18, 67, 79, 89, 108, 110, 114, and 118 together.

Mobility of key personnel is a regular feature of the hospital system as demonstrated by the ease with which medical staff transfer from prestigious hospitals abroad to take up positions in Ireland. It is also the case that medical consultants in various oncology disciplines, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgery and haematology, transfer within our hospital system. Many of these transfers take place for a combination of professional, career and personal reasons. In regard to the transfer of the medical oncologist referred to by the Deputies, it is important to acknowledge that the hospital system here has retained his particular expertise for the cure and care of cancer patients.

Considerable investment has been made in the development of cancer services in the southern region in recent years. Since 1997, additional cumulative funding of approximately €76 million has been allocated for the development of appropriate treatment and care services for people with cancer in the region. Cumulative additional funding of approximately €6.5 million has been made available for the development of breast disease services in the region during the period 2001-04. This funding has provided for the recruitment of an additional 11 consultants in key areas of cancer care. The funding has also provided for the appointment of 27 cancer care nurses.

Capital funding of over €4 million has been provided for the development of radiation oncology services at Cork University Hospital and ongoing revenue funding of €3 million is being provided to cater for the expansion of this service. As regards the development of a dedicated oncology ward, the Health Service Executive has advised that this is a priority.

Provisional figures supplied by the Health Service Executive indicate that in 2004 approximately 950 new patients in total were referred to medical oncology services in the region's four main hospitals. This number increases to 3,106 when radiation oncology and haematology service figures are included. I am advised that there are no delays for chemotherapy and haematology services at Cork University Hospital. My Department has asked the chief officer for the executive's southern area to supply to the Deputies a more detailed response to the issues raised, including recruitment of replacement staff.

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