Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

As regards cancer services in the southern region, a professor of paediatrics is employed for three sessions at the Mercy University Hospital to provide paediatric care for children attending the hospital. The professor is due to retire at the end of May 2005. As to the continuation of these services, the hospital is to submit a proposal for a locum consultant to the Health Service Executive, as a matter of priority. This proposal is for an appointment for a 12-month period with a sessional commitment of 5.5 sessions to the Mercy University Hospital.

Considerable investment has been made in recent years in the development of cancer services in the southern region. Since 1997, the HSE's southern area has received an investment of approximately €80 million for oncology services, including this year's allocation of an additional €3.5 million from national cancer strategy funding to address increased regional pressures in oncology services. This funding has provided for the approval of an additional 11 consultants in key areas of cancer care delivery.

The funding has also provided for the appointment of 27 cancer care nurse specialists throughout the region. Additional Revenue funding of €1.55 million is being allocated from national cancer strategy funding in 2005 to address increased regional pressures. A number of southern region hospitals are benefiting to the value of approximately €1 million for colorectal and plastic surgery, while the Mercy University Hospital will benefit to the extent of €300,000 for oncology service pressures. The South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital will receive an additional €250,000 for cancer related services.

Capital funding of more than €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 these services. I hope that reply has been informative and helpful for the Deputies who raised the question.

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