Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Taoiseach did not answer the question I asked. How can he stand over a systems failure under which only one radiologist signed off on these women's mammograms? At Mayo General Hospital, double signing has been in place since 1990. I understand there is a letter, written on 13 December 2006, on RTE's website, which indicates that in order to avoid the possibility of serious litigation, it would be necessary to replace the equipment in Portlaoise hospital as a matter of extreme urgency. As the Taoiseach is aware, this was identified by Professor O'Higgins in his report relating to 12 centres. However, neither funding nor resources were ever provided in respect of Portlaoise.

The Taoiseach stated that the Minister for Health and Children was first informed about this matter on 29 August last. However, it is clear that there is another letter, dated December 2006, on the file which indicates the necessity for major investment to be made in respect of equipment.

As the leader of the Government for the past ten and a half years, how can the Taoiseach justify presiding — along with successive Ministers for Health and Children — over a situation where, in respect of the system designed to deliver the best service to the women of the midlands regarding symptomatic breast disease, only one radiologist signed off on mammograms?

On RTE this morning, Mr. O'Brien, CEO of the national cancer screening service, stated that in order to deliver the type of service to which he was referring, one must first set out clearly one's intent and then engage in a clear process of planning how one should proceed. Will the Taoiseach outline this clear process? When will we be informed that this will form part of the critical infrastructure Bill? Where is the money that has been allocated? What buildings, facilities and personnel will be used to deliver the service to which the Taoiseach refers?

I am of the view that the HSE is but a tool of the Government.

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