Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I certainly believe in the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, and I have no reason not to. She has always delivered for the north west and I have no reason to believe that will change. I am glad BreastCheck will be rolled out in the north west by the end of 2006.

Some 96% of women who go for BreastCheck come out clear and never need to be referred. For the 4% who are referred, it is certainly a worrying time. However, there are resources available. The biggest difficulty is the lack of manpower. One can do so much with money but if one does not have the manpower, these services cannot be put in place. Advertisements are placed on an ongoing basis seeking to recruit staff for units in the north west.

Oncology trained pharmacists are a rare commodity in my neck of the woods. I am glad to say that we have one in Sligo General Hospital. We also have excellent specialised nursing staff, some of whom have oncology diplomas. They work extremely hard and will do everything to ensure——