An expert review group on radiotherapy services was established by the Minister to ensure we effectively plan the current and future development of this key element of cancer care. The current debate on radiotherapy services is very narrowly based and confined to geographic location without any real discussion of the principles that should underpin the national provision of services. International evidence is that radiotherapy is a service that can best be provided in a limited number of centres. It is certain that the future demands to provide a comprehensive service that is quality and equity driven will be extremely expensive. The objective will be to develop proposals on foot of the report that will provide us with a model of radiotherapy services that is patient centred, attracts and retains the best medical and scientific expertise, and ensures comprehensive radiotherapy treatments in a timely and quality manner.