Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)

I stand with my colleagues who have highlighted the serious situation caused by the outcome of a court case involving a 41 year old man who raped a 12 year old girl. The outcome of the case has sent shockwaves throughout the country, particularly among people who are personally involved in cases which are due to be brought to the High Court. We have to unite to face our collective responsibility on this issue.

In respect of cancer services, yesterday the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, visited Letterkenny and elsewhere in County Donegal. I welcome her presence in the county, to which I have invited her numerous times. From a personal perspective, I acknowledge she was quite empathetic towards the needs and plight of people from County Donegal. She also provided a good listening service yesterday, of which the staff were appreciative.

A Cabinet meeting will be held on 9 June. Although Members always pin ultimate responsibility on the Minister for Health and Children and at times can be quite critical because it is such an emotive and important issue, the Cabinet has collective responsibility. I urge the Leader, who has taken a great personal interest in the general provision of cancer services, to use her good offices to emphasise and highlight the importance and need for radiotherapy services for the north west.

While radiotherapy services exist in Dublin, Cork and Galway and are due to be provided in Limerick and Waterford, the north west still awaits such services. This issue must be expedited. This matter is extremely important because I want to retain current levels of services, which will only be possible with a satellite radiation facility in the north west. Specifically, this should be located in Letterkenny, which is the pivotal point at which to work in collaboration with Sligo General Hospital and Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry.