Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

This morning's newspapers report that six women seen at the Mid-West Regional Hospital in my constituency are to be recalled for review — this relates to the case of Rebecca O'Malley. Their tests were done at Cork University Hospital and the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, is soon to publish a report on the matter. This will be one of a number of reports because Dr. Ann O'Doherty has a report and a report is also due relating to the locum pathologist in Cork University Hospital, who also worked in Galway. The Health Service Executive has indicated it is carrying out a report on the situation in Portlaoise.

We have debated these matters in this House over the past two nights, there is widespread concern relating to testing for cancer and the Minister has called for support across the House for her proposals on cancer. I believe this House has a strong role in debating these reports and I support Deputy O'Reilly regarding the Committee on Health and Children and public representatives playing their roles in ensuring confidence is restored in cancer services. Will the Government provide time in this House to debate the results of the various inquiries and ensure we make a contribution to restoring confidence in cancer services in this country?

It would also be positive to discuss Professor Keane's proposals and announcements in next week's budget on the funding of cancer proposals, which I hope to hear. As the Tánaiste knows, no indication has been given of how we will fund the considerable resources needed to implement the proposals. Current resources, even in what will be centres of excellence, are inadequate.

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