John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)

The Minister stated screening should be the priority. Will she explain why only €750,000 has been allocated for centres of excellence. She has found ten reasons not to implement the vaccination programme and this is an appalling indictment of the Government. She cannot find €10 million out of €16 billion. As Deputy Reilly stated, 50 lives could be saved with this money. I am tired talking about value for money, audits and the assessment of costs; what is occurring is appalling when one considers the amount of money that has been wasted.

Will the Minister confirm that Professor Keane has made no contact whatsoever with the oncology team in Sligo? This is an appalling indictment of the Government. Although there is talk of transferring the screening service out of Sligo General Hospital, no contact whatsoever has been made with the hospital by Professor Keane. There is no BreastCheck service and this affects 4,000 women. The Minister is all over the shop on this. Although lives are at stake and the Minister stated screening is important, screening is not taking place. Two beds were to be allocated to Galway University Hospital for the whole north west and we are now told there is to be only one.

Deputy Reilly stated correctly that lives are at stake. The Minister is sacrificing the lives of 50 people to save €10 million — that is the kernel of the problem that arises today. If the Minister cannot find €10 million out of €16 billion, something has gone frightfully wrong. It is an appalling indictment of the system and points to ineptitude and bad management. It is a disgrace. I call on the Minister to reverse her decision.

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