Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators Jim Walsh and Kenneally for raising this matter and outlining what I know is heartfelt by both of them – the provision of radiotherapy services for cancer patients in the Waterford region. I take the opportunity to set out the current position on the provision of radiotherapy services nationally.

As the Senators are aware, an expert review group on radiotherapy services was established to examine their appropriate future development. The group comprises, as one would expect, a multidisciplinary team of experts. It has conducted a national assessment of needs for radiotherapy services.

The group will address the following key issues, which have been referred to by the Senators: access to radiotherapy services; information, finance and organisational components, and the need to provide a high quality, evidence based service. I appreciate that both Senators have indicated that the evidence is available. The group will also address the need to take account of current and new developments in health technology, the requirements of the system in human resources, international norms regarding service provision, planning and staffing, and the organisational development of the services in structures and processes which must be in place, as one would expect, in a radiotherapy facility.

All health boards, including the South-Eastern Health Board, have been afforded the opportunity to meet and make submissions to the group. The provision of additional radiotherapy services will be considered in the context of its report. Senator Kenneally has asked exactly where it is. On completion, it was submitted to the Minister on 24 April 2003. On receipt, the Department immediately made arrangements to print it, a process subject to public tendering requirements which have to be followed, as they have been.

Given the significance attached to it by me, the Minister and the Department and its implications for the development of radiation oncology services nationally, it is necessary to submit the report to the Government. The Minister advised the Dáil of his intentions in that regard on 7 May 2003. It is also necessary that there be consultation at interdepartmental level, including with the Department of Finance, before consideration by the Government. It is anticipated that the report will be considered by it shortly.

I understand the Minister met a delegation from Waterford City Council this morning and outlined the key principles which informed the group's deliberations and the priorities for the development of radiotherapy services. He accepts that the significant under-capacity in radiotherapy services represents a major challenge for the health service.