Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister to the House. She is a person for whom I have great regard and respect. She has probably the most difficult job in the State. It is extremely difficult when the issues with which one must deal are so personal and affect people's lives and futures in such a significant way. I acknowledge the work that has been done in the health service, particularly in the area of cancer care. My contribution will reflect the issues pertaining to cancer care services in County Donegal.

Before that, however, I will draw Members' attentions to some facts. Since this Fianna Fáil-led Government entered power in 1997, more than €1 billion has been invested in cancer services. There are more than 100 additional consultants specialising in the areas of medical oncology, radiology, palliative care, histopathology and haemoatology. More than 340 additional clinical nurse specialists have been appointed to cancer care services. Members on both sides of the House must acknowledge and welcome these improvements.

There has been much discussion of cancer care services in County Donegal. As the Minister is aware, two lobby groups were established in the county, Donegal Action for Cancer Care and Co-operation for Cancer Care North West. Both these groups are working in an effective manner to pursue the need for additional cancer services in Donegal. I acknowledge the work they undertake on a daily and weekly basis, working with public representatives in raising the pertinent issues pertaining to cancer care for patients in the county.

I welcome the Minister's announcement today of the details of the implementation of the national cancer control programme. I also welcome the appointment of Professor Tom Keane as interim director of the programme. I do not know him personally but understand he is a man of integrity and ability. I have no doubt of his ability to implement his brief in an effective manner. A consideration of his past achievements means we can all be confident in this regard.

According to the criteria outlined in today's announcement, the centres will be based around populations of 500,000 people. I assume this follows from the recommendations of the O'Higgins report. I note with interest the proposal that North-South co-operation between Letterkenny and Belfast should continue and that provision will be made for radiotherapy care services from Belfast. Does this provision mean patients will have to travel to Belfast or will these services be available in Letterkenny?

In view of the restoration of the power-sharing institutions in the North, will the Minister outline what opportunities now exist in regard to cross-Border care, particularly in respect of the western Northern Ireland counties of Derry and Fermanagh? In particular, could there be an opportunity to co-operate on a more stable basis with Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Derry? I am aware that discussions were underway with the hospital in that regard but I am unsure whether they have concluded or broken down. I would like to hear the Minister's opinion on the matter. It is almost the same for a patient from west County Donegal to travel to Belfast as to Dublin and while there may be more of an affinity with the latter, I would like those factors to be taken into consideration when the new policy is implemented.

On Monday evening I attended the launch of a booklet, You Are Not Alone, which was compiled by a sub-committee of Donegal Action for Cancer Care. This lovely and helpful booklet gives a flavour of what community groups can achieve when they work with statutory organisations. It is aimed at helping patients by providing information on travel, subsistence and the services and assistance available to link County Donegal with Dublin.

We should acknowledge the work being done because it is a challenge to roll out cancer care over a relatively small island and it will be difficult to make services available in every parish. It becomes even more of a challenge when the existence of the Border and the Six Counties are taken into account but we should use that to our advantage. Cavan hospital is mentioned in the press release and welcome the care which it will provide.

We are anxious in County Donegal to see a link being developed with Altnagelvin hospital for radiotherapy services. We would also like to see a permanent appointment made for a breast surgeon, although I am aware an announcement has been made in that regard, and the establishment of a satellite radiotherapy unit in co-operation with the North and Sligo, so that it will be easier for patients in the north west to receive treatment locally.

Cancer is an issue without boundaries and it touches every family. We are all trying to work together to the same outcome, so now is not the time to be acting in a politically motivated manner.