Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Doherty for sharing his time with me. I had put forward a motion that the Minister for Health and Children should outline the outstanding issues that remain for the colposcopy service at Letterkenny to attain national cancer screening service, NCSS, recognition and how these issues can be overcome. I must begin by declaring my interest because I could well be the woman, never mind the politician, who might need these services in the near future. However, this is not a female issue as such because most households comprise both males and females and, therefore, the issue cuts across the board.

The problem is the uncertainty with regard to the withdrawal of a health facility. I have made various representations on the issue, but I get the same type of response all the time. I am told that Letterkenny was not one of the initial 11 centres, but that the door is not closed to having other situations recognised. I am told too that the NCSS is looking to recognise other facilities, including in the north west, and will be in the north west to look at Letterkenny General Hospital and that discussions are ongoing in that regard.

The reasons for our concern are clear. The current uncertainty has frightened people and has led to them resorting to contacting us via postcards. I welcome the number of people who have contacted me but I wish they put their address on the postcards so I could respond to them individually. As matters stand, I am trying to get my message out and I rely on the media and press releases to carry that message.

The NCSS has identified 11 colposcopy services to support cervical check initially. The colposcopy service at Letterkenny General Hospital has not been identified for referrals. However, in the interim, Letterkenny General Hospital will continue to provide colposcopy services to women already attending or awaiting colposcopy. The hospital requires a number of enhancements to meet the quality assurance standards defined by the NCSS, but no matter how often I ask the questions or to whom I address them, I cannot get the answer on the specifics. What are the problems? Are they medical, clinical or is it a matter of support staff. Is it a staffing or competence issue?

Ultimately, I want the best service for the area and believe Letterkenny General Hospital can deliver that service. I hope the meaningful negotiations I am told are ongoing between the hospital and the NCSS clearly define the issues. Whatever the issues, we as constituents and representatives of the area want to see the problems overcome and the hospital designated as a centre. When the representatives of the NCSS visit Letterkenny General Hospital in the coming days, we want the good work being carried out there and the increasing work of the north-west centre of excellence for cancer to be recognised and we want to ensure the uncertainty and fear in the area are overcome.

I hope the Minister of State has the answer to some of my questions tonight. I commend those who have championed this issue, but Senator Doherty and I have also championed the cause. It is just as possible that we may be the patients in question in the future. There but for the grace of God go any of us.