Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

Does the Minister agree the units which are to become centres of excellence do not have adequate resources to treat their current patients and that their waiting times fail to meet best practice guidelines? For example, Professor Gupta, who practises in my own area, has publicly stated that he needs additional resources in order to meet best practice requirements.

The Minister indicated that money would be available in the budget. Will that include provision for needs such as transport and accommodation and will the homework be completed in that regard before the budget is announced?

If resources are being moved, most of the locations due for closure could experience a surge in different types of cancer treatment. Certain staff are not easily relocated because they are already doing work that does not relate to cancer. Are these issues being taken into consideration and will adequate funding will be provided to implement the cancer strategy?

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