Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senator for raising this matter on the Adjournment and for giving me this opportunity on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, to set out the current position on the development of radiotherapy services nationally and in the Mid-Western Health Board specifically.

As the Senator is aware, the Minister established an expert working group on radiotherapy services to examine the appropriate further development of radiotherapy services in this country. The provision of additional services for radiotherapy treatment will be considered in the context of the report of the expert working group. I understand that all health boards, including the Mid-Western Health Board, have been afforded an opportunity to meet and make submissions to the group. The work of the expert group is at an advanced stage and it is anticipated that it will be completed shortly. Until such time as the Minister has received and considered the expert report, he is not in. a position to indicate any specific developments for radiotherapy services.

The Minister is fully committed to the development of quality services to achieve best health outcomes. Regarding the development of cancer services generally, this commitment can be seen in the level of funding provided. Since the implementation of the national cancer strategy commenced in 1997, more than €103 million has been invested in the development of appropriate treatment and care services for people with cancer. Cancer services throughout the country have benefited from this investment which far exceeds the £25 million requirement initially envisaged under the national cancer strategy.

Among a range of other initiatives, this investment has enabled the funding of 80 additional consultant posts in key areas such as medical oncology, radiology, symptomatic breast disease, palliative care, histopathology, haematology and radiation oncology, together with the associated support staff.

This year, a total of €27.3 million was provided for the maintenance and development of cancer services, €23.55 million of which was allocated between health boards. Since the commencement of the implementation of the national cancer strategy, €8.25 million of dedicated funding has been allocated to the Mid-Western Health Board specifically for the development of oncology and related services.

An additional sum of €29 million is being allocated in 2003 for cancer services. This investment will ensure that next year we continue to address increasing demands in cancer services throughout the country in such areas as oncology/haematology services, oncology drug treatments and symptomatic breast disease services.

I realise that, while much has been achieved in recent years in the development of the health services, much remains to be done. In recognition of the need to develop cancer services further, the national health strategy has identified the need for the preparation of a new national cancer strategy.