Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

It is my fault because, as Senator O'Toole said on a previous occasion, I am inviting interruptions.

The Minister said that although 13 centres of excellence exist, public representatives want one in their local areas. I want one in Athlone, where there is no hospital, and others want them in Tuam and Nenagh. Everybody is keen for their own area to be designated as a centre of excellence. It is to be hoped that the various health reports will be published soon so they can debated in the House. The leaks that have emerged from the reports make clear that we cannot have centres of excellence everywhere if we want better diagnosis, the latest technology and the best professionals to care for and cure those who present themselves at hospitals. I do not refer to the diagnosis of cancer in particular. We will face an enormous decision about that dilemma in five or ten years. Innovations in the health system lead to things that help to prolong and enhance life, such as better drugs, a superior quality of care and new technology.

We will invest in the highest quality facilities, but we cannot do so in every parish. No sudden shining light will cause Senators to agree that centres of excellence are needed and admit that the services provided by certain hospitals need to be curtailed, but such ideas will be gradually accepted. Patients are not being well served by demands that the highest levels of treatment should be available at every crossroads. People often say that they would be fine if there was an accident and emergency department in their local hospital. It would be fine until there was a severe accident and they realised that the hospital did not have the back-up expertise to deal with it.

I welcome the Labour Party's motion in so far as it has provided an occasion for debate, which is useful in itself. I commend the Minister, Deputy Martin, and the Minister of State, Deputy Tim O'Malley, for the proper steps they have taken to bring cancer care to men and women. I particularly welcome the Government's emphasis on the BreastCheck programme and I hope it will be continued and expanded in the years to come.