Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)

I am not opposed to the cancer strategy and, as I stated on Second Stage, I am not in a position to second guess the best medical experts on the roll out of cancer treatment. A similar position applies in the case of most of my colleagues on this side. That is not the point, however. The issue here is one of preserving a facility specifically for public health services. As the Minister correctly noted, there is major pressure and demand close to Dublin city centre.

The issue before us is not only about preserving the name or ethos of St. Luke's Hospital but about preserving the site and buildings in Rathgar for the benefit of public health care long into the future. My concern is not in any sense to try to debunk or detract from the national cancer strategy. The Opposition parties are trying, in good faith, to ensure the site is secured. We are concerned, however, that amendment No. 2 will not achieve that objective. I take the Minister's words in good faith and I believe her statement during the Committee Stage debate last week that she is committed to preserving St. Luke's Hospital. On that basis, she should be constructive and accept amendments Nos. 1 and 3 as alternatives to her amendment No. 2.

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