Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

I am glad the House is having this debate and that the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, was present to discuss the issue. I also welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Tim O'Malley.

Senator Terry made a very relevant point about screening services being available in Dublin only. It is a subject about which I have spoken when dealing with other issues with regard to the west. There has been a strong campaign to have cardiac and cancer services provided in the west and for the regionalisation of health services. The investment of £140 million by the Government in University College Hospital, Galway, showed the investment needed for cardiac and cancer treatment services. Senator Terry's point could also be made about other services. For example, neurological services are badly needed in the west as it is important to have a unit close by when serious injuries occur.

In addition to the services provided in Galway, the Minister provided £11 million to purchase Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, from the Franciscan Sisters. He gave over £3 million to the local health board to purchase the hospital from the Bon Secours order in Tuam where there are now plans submitted by the Western Health Board for a community hospital. I would like the Minister of State to look at this proposal.

I am concerned about recent leaks to the media. There was a typical leak to The Sunday Tribune last Sunday regarding the closure of a number of hospitals, when Ballinasloe received particular mention with regard to the loss of maternity and accident and emergency services. It is hard to understand how that could be as the hospital has recently been purchased from the Franciscan Sisters and it would cost millions of euro to try to relocate services. Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, also provides cancer treatment services.

The Minister made an interesting point when he referred to the €400 million spent since 1997 on cancer services and the fact that 39 additional consultant posts had been approved in the context of breast screening. Three positions are to be made available in the Western Health Board region. There will be interviews for one position in March while advertisements are to be placed in the newspapers for the positions of breast radiologist and breast pathologist in Galway who will also serve Mayo County Hospital, which is important. Screening should be provided nationwide and the sooner the announcements are made, the better, because it takes time to provide a service. Buildings and personnel must be provided. It is important the matter is dealt with for each region.