Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

What does the Minister propose to do to bring to a satisfactory standard the current inadequate regulation of radiological equipment in hospitals? Why have the HSE and the Department of Health and Children failed to provide for the replacement of old equipment in the various radiation units in our hospitals? How does the Minister respond to the charge that patients have been denied access to proper screening because the HSE and the Department will not spend the money required on new equipment?

Will the Minister clarify her intentions in respect of the roll-out of cancer care services in the north west, particularly County Donegal? Is it her intention to see located in the county a satellite unit which will serve the north west and have a cross-Border dimension to its remit? What is her intention regarding the north-east region which comprises counties Cavan, Monaghan, Louth and Meath, and the adjacent area comprising County Fermanagh, south Tyrone and south Armagh? The journey to Dublin is prohibitive for many in west Cavan and north Monaghan. The journey to Belfast is equally prohibitive for those who live in the area across the Border to which I refer. I refer, in particular, to sick cancer patients in this regard.

I wish to recap the questions I posed in my earlier contribution. The Minister has already made reference to Tallaght Hospital in the replies she has given. However, I highlighted the concern in respect of Tallaght Hospital from May to September this year. The uncertainty must be cleared up. What is the Minister's position on cancer services at Tallaght Hospital?

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