Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

From the outset, I personally wish the Deputy and his party well in terms of the re-establishment of both an Executive and an Assembly in the North. I will take this Adjournment matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney.

The strategy for cancer control, launched by the Minister in June, makes recommendations on the organisation, governance, quality assurance and accreditation across the continuum of cancer care from health promotion, prevention and screening through to treatment services, supportive and palliative care and research. There is a strong emphasis in the strategy on health promotion, addressing inequalities and quality assurance. The Minister is committed to providing quality cancer care to the people of Ireland on an equitable basis regardless of where they live. Deputy Ó Caoláin will take sustenance from that assertion.

As the Deputy will be aware, the organisation and management of the health services is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive. That is precisely why the executive was set up, to deliver services on an equitable basis across the country, free from political or other interference or pressure.

The Health Service Executive has advised the Department of Health and Children that in 2005, the Irish Cancer Society offered to part fund a post for an oncology liaison nurse at Cavan General Hospital. It was not possible to fill the post at that time. However, the Department has been informed that the filling of the post is being actively pursued by the Health Service Executive.

In fairness to the Minister for Health and Children, the Deputy has received a strong reassurance that an active process is under way to fill that vacancy. I hope for his sake and the sake of his constituents that happens.

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