Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity of speaking on this motion. I compliment the Independent group on the manner in which it tabled it.

The Joint Committee on Health and Children had a meeting yesterday with an SDLP group. It might encourage the Minister to know that the group paid much tribute to the work she is doing. Carmel Hanna, the SDLP spokesperson on health, said they are impressed by the efforts of the Minister. Perhaps the Minister of State will convey those views to the Minister.

I note that the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, is in the House. As a Tallaght-based Fianna Fáil Deputy, I am particularly pleased that this week he confirmed that major funding is to be made available to the childhood development initiative in Jobstown. The news has been warmly welcomed in Tallaght and I thank the Minister of State for his efforts in that regard.

One would expect that in a debate such as this I would mention Tallaght at least once. There is a group from the VTOS in Tallaght in the Visitors Gallery and it has taken a particular interest in the debate so far. I know they would want me to speak up for Tallaght, which I always want to do. The Ceann Comhairle has taken a particular interest in Tallaght Hospital since it was founded and was kind enough to place me on its board more than 20 years ago. That was a significant act at a time when we needed community voices on Tallaght Hospital.

When the hospital was set up in 1998 it was keen to develop its cancer services. Cancer care has become one of the major pillars of health care provision in the past few years at the Adelaide, Meath and National Children's Hospital in Tallaght. While most of the specialties involved in cancer care were represented from the opening of the hospital in summer 1998, some key disciplines were missing. The advent of a medical oncology unit and the appointment of specialists in the fields of palliative care, radiation oncology and other disciplines have introduced a holistic approach to the care of the cancer patient. Against the background of the existing strength in the field of surgical oncology, Tallaght Hospital has now evolved into a centre providing all aspects of cancer care.

Over 1,300 new cancers are seen annually at Tallaght Hospital. Solid tumours including prostate, renal, cell, lung and others all have dedicated high-volume units. A strong unit oversees the research board and there is a clinics trial unit whose aim, I understand, is to conduct research into cancer. There has been a huge investment in cancer audit in the past two years which has resulted in the purchase of a dendrite system and the appointment of audit managers for all major disciplines in cancer care. The national institute of preventive health will play an important role in the range of cancer services provided at Tallaght, particularly relating to colon, breast, cervical and prostate cancer screening.

The recent publication of the National Cancer Forum recommended that there be four cancer networks and approximately eight cancer centres in Ireland. This is a much needed opportunity to enhance existing services. All site-specific groups mentioned want to consolidate and expand in line with the large increase in cancer numbers outlined in the report of the National Cancer Registry and in keeping with the increase in our elderly population. The volume of cancer numbers and range of cancers seen, the availability of the full range of necessary disciplines, its formal audit and quality assurance programmes all point to Tallaght Hospital as being more than qualified to be one of the national cancer centres. This is an essential ingredient for the future of the Adelaide, Meath and National Children's Hospital and the population it serves. I remind Members that Tallaght Hospital, situated as it is in the third largest population centre in the country, also caters for a wider catchment, extending through parts of Wicklow and Kildare and as far as the Wexford border.

At a time when health care is on everybody's mind and the subject of much discussion it is important we speak up for our local hospitals. I am happy to do so in the case of Tallaght Hospital. As a local Deputy for the Tallaght area, I believe that, as evidence of the Government's commitment, it will be expected that the Adelaide, Meath and National Children's Hospital in Tallaght be designated as one of the eight major cancer centres when the report is finalised. I stress that point to the Minister of State and hope, taking an interest in Tallaght and in my work as he does, he conveys that to the Minister at the earliest opportunity.

This has been a valuable debate. The rota of Government speakers shows we have come from north, south, east and west, which highlights how important this issue is to people. At a time when there is unprecedented wealth in the country all of us have a role to play in ensuring health services continue to serve the people. We should not be ashamed to make that point at every opportunity where cancer services are concerned.

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