Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I will preface my remarks on the amendments before us by stating that I am vehemently opposed to the passage of the Bill because it will result in the closure of St. Luke's Hospital as we know it by 2014. That is something with which I strongly disagree. I also disagree with it because it is part of a flawed plan on the provision of radiation oncology throughout the State that will see entire communities and regions north of a line from Dublin to Galway discriminated against, including the constituency that I represent in the House, namely, Cavan Monaghan.

I support amendment No. 1 as far as it goes and I fully and enthusiastically endorse amendment No. 3. The very least that can be done, if the Bill is to be passed today, is to ensure that the lands and buildings of St. Luke's remain in use for the provision of cancer - and I emphasise cancer - health services after 2014. I wish to stress further that this should be for public health services as the amendment tabled by Labour Party colleagues clearly states. I want to lay emphasis on this because it is a very important point.

There will be legitimate concern as to the future of the buildings at St. Luke's and the site if it is left in the hands of the HSE with the approval of any Minister in the future as to what purpose or service it will be put. In my view, it should not only be with regard to health and personal social services as the Minister's approach suggests. It should be particular to the continuation of the treatment of cancer patients and in the public health service.

As I have stated on many occasions, the Minister and the Government have pursued a policy of health privatisation and a tax on public provision. I fear that, whether she and it be at the helm when any future decisions are taken, once the position is provided for the HSE will present a case to a future Minister and Government seeking approval for the disposal of these lands or their employment in some other purpose. That is unacceptable.

As I stated on Second Stage, last year I had the sad experience of attending in St. Luke's my brother-in-law who died - a younger man than me. While everyone does not have happy outcomes, there is no question as to the care and special location. I stated on Second Stage that I found the experience of visiting at St. Luke's, distressing though it is for any of us who are family members watching a loved one in such a deteriorating condition, a new hospital experience. I have an abiding memory of it, which concurs with the case put by other voices this afternoon and over a protracted period of time in support of the continuation of St. Luke's for the particular and wonderful place it is.

Amendment No. 2 from the Minister is absolutely inadequate, as will be clear from what I already stated. It is still subject to section 6(5) of the Bill, which would allow the HSE to dispose of the St. Luke's premises and lands with the approval of the Minister of the day.

It was signalled last year - and I asked for clarification because it has not been asked so far - that after 2014 St. Luke's would continue to be used as a cancer care facility. I refer specifically to the remarks of the chair of the hospital board, Padraic White, who stated as such as I recall. Will the Minister or Minister of State - whoever is replying - confirm that the chair of the hospital board, Padraic White, made that commitment?

In support of amendment No. 1 and, in particular, of amendment No. 3 and in rejection of amendment No. 2, St. Luke's is rightly regarded as a unique hospital facility in the Irish hospital and health care experience. It is worthy of special mention and a special case, even with the Minister's ongoing intent with the roll-out of her cancer care plan. Its quiet atmosphere and peaceful surroundings all contribute greatly. I wish to pay tribute to the particular care provided by the most important resource of all that I noted during my visits last year, which is the excellent staff.

See this speech in context