Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

When will radiotherapy be available in Waterford Regional Hospital to serve the public in the south-east region? The early detection of cancer is a major priority for any cancer strategy. Will the Minister confirm when BreastCheck will be available in Waterford city and other areas? The Taoiseach gave a commitment in the general election campaign that the service would be operational in October this year. It is now November but there is no sign of it.

What plans does the Minister have, and what resources have been allocated, to promote early detection of cancer in males, specifically testicular cancer and prostate cancer? Despite the fact that cervical screening is known to be highly effective in detecting early pre-cancerous changes and preventing deaths from cervical cancer, there is still no national screening service for cervical cancer. I have consulted practice nurses who are waiting up to six months for results. This is totally unacceptable. When will these improvements be made and when will there be a national screening service for cervical cancer?