Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

Does the Minister think it is ironic, inadequate and possibly dangerous for private patients that private facilities are not regulated? Does the Minister know how many private facilities in Ireland provide cancer services of any type, particularly in the context of the cancer control programme and the need for critical mass, triple assessment and multi-disciplinary teams? How long will it take to introduce the legislation required? The Minister mentioned next year but the private sector can do what it likes in the provision of health services without HIQA having any control whatsoever. Does the Minister believe there is an urgent need to ensure that all patients have properly regulated health services?

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