Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that a great deal more than meetings is happening. I have evidenced that in the fact that we have already seen some new consultant surgeons specialising in colorectal and general surgery appointed as well as a new consultant anaesthetist. A number of further posts are currently undergoing a recruitment process. I will take up with the Saolta group the point the Deputy makes about the length of time it seems to be taking for the group to apply to the consultant appointments advisory committee in relation to a consultant endocrinologist and revert to him directly on that. For clarity, I note that it is a full-time locum consultant service to address current service demands for the breast cancer service at Letterkenny. That is also under way.

In terms of the way forward in the longer term and without wishing to speak for the groups, there was general agreement among those I met to look at cross-Border opportunities and the possibility of a joint posting between Altnagelvin and Letterkenny. The purpose of the meeting that is due to take place in Letterkenny is to explore that with the national cancer control programme. I note the willingness on the part of all parties to look at that and I am happy to continue in that regard.

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