Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I have raised the absence of radiotherapy services in the mid-west region on previous occasions and my colleague, Senator Cummins, has also raised the issue in connection with Waterford. Only 16% of Irish cancer patients receive radiotherapy, while in the EU the average is 66%. A march was held on Saturday at which people expressed their concerns about this issue. I have inquired on many occasions when the expert group on radiotherapy services, which first promised its report in February 2001, will present that report so there can be a definitive cancer strategy for the entire country. It is not good enough for the Minister for Health and Children to say, prior to Saturday's march, that he will extend BreastCheck to the entire country without providing information on the timeframe involved, on the likely cost or on the staff resources that will be allocated. It is time this issue was taken seriously.