Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

Since the election people's concerns about the health area have dominated the media. I would like a specific aspect of that discussed and the Minister for Health and Children to come to the House to answer questions. Many regions, such as the mid-west region, the south-east region and others, do not have radiotherapy facilities. It is a disgrace that people have to travel long distances for five minutes of radium treatment because these facilities do not exist in their area. The mid-west region, with a population of 360,000 people, does not have that facility. A charitable trust is prepared to provide the equipment, yet there are delays in providing the facility. Will the Minister come to the House and instead of hiding behind reports answer pertinent questions regarding the many issues of concern in the health service? The sooner Ministers come into this House to answer questions the better. If we are seen to do what the electorate demand of us, this House will be seen as pertinent and relevant.