Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I formally second the proposal of Senator Higgins.

Senator Henry mentioned St. Luke's Hospital. I listened to an interesting interview this morning on the difficulties the hospital is having in staying within its budget and the pressure on resources. The report on radiotherapy facilities was promised before the general election. It is widely envisaged that centres in Dublin, Galway and Cork will be recommended. I have raised twice on the Adjournment the urgent necessity of providing a facility for the mid-west region. In our area there is a charity trust that is prepared to provide funding for the capital resources and all we need is the staffing. Pressure is being put on St. Luke's because people are coming in from all parts of the country, particularly my own area in the mid-west.