James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I move:

That Dáil Éireann, recognising that:

—there are approximately 22,000 new cases of cancer registered each year;

—over 7,000 people die from cancer each year;

—the delivery of efficient radiotherapy services plays a significant role in reducing deaths from cancer; and

noting:

—that the radiotherapy plan announced by the Minister for Health and Children in 2005 is not going to be delivered as promised in 2011, but is expected to be delayed until 2015;

—that a fundamental difference of opinion exists between the Minister for Health and Children and the chief executive of the Health Service Executive, HSE, on the ability of the HSE to deliver this plan; and

—the failure of the Minister for Health and Children to consult the HSE before announcing the €500 million radiotherapy plan to cancer sufferers and their families;

calls on the Government to urgently deliver treatment services for cancer patients as quickly and efficiently as possible.

I wish to share my time with some of my colleagues.

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