Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Scanlon for providing me with the opportunity to clarify, on behalf of the Minister for Health and Children, the position on renal services at Sligo General Hospital. I also acknowledge what was said by Senator Feighan.

The Minister has identified renal services as among the main acute hospital services for priority development. He has provided additional funding of over €15 million for the period 2000-03 to develop renal services and increase capacity in this area. This includes an additional €1.8 million provided this year for the further development of the services. The principles underpinning this investment are to ensure services are available regionally in order that patients do not have to travel long distances and ensure an equitable availability of treatment choice for patients, irrespective of their geographical location.

The need for an initiative of this nature is highlighted by the anticipated growth in demand for renal services having regard to demographic and epidemiological factors. The demand for such services is expected to increase substantially over the next decade and it will be important to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to meet this demand.