Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to make a number of comments. Deputy Gallagher has requested a meeting with the Minister and I will certainly pass on that request. It is my understanding from the reply that every effort is being made to fill the post but, unfortunately, it has not yet been filled. The Deputies have clearly indicated their concerns in respect of the service in Letterkenny University Hospital. As a woman, I want to add my voice to that. I really believe that it is important to give women peace of mind. It is an awful time in a woman's life when she is asked to attend a breast clinic and the only thing that can quench the fear is the fact that she can get a speedy diagnosis, one way or the other. I understand perfectly that when women are in the position of going to breast cancer clinics, they need to be given peace of mind. I will relay the Deputies' points on to the Minister.

I cannot comment on the Deputies' comments about an announcement regarding a consultant post prior to the general election. I have no comment on that but I do not believe that anyone would try to deceive anybody on such a serious issue as the appointment of a senior breast consultant coming up to an election.

I thank both Deputies on behalf of the Minister, who sends his apologies for not being in the Chamber. I will make sure that he has a copy of my notes when I return to my office so he can respond, and especially to the request by Deputy Gallagher for a meeting to take place with Deputies in Donegal.

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