Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)

Despite the Minister's assurances on the future of St. Luke's Hospital, concerns are still appearing. Accordingly, the Minister introduced an amendment, which has since been accepted, to ensure the hospital will be used for health care purposes by the HSE, that is, health and personal social services in accordance with the Health Act 2004. The Minister was happy to table this amendment in a bid to bring certainty to her position as outlined and to respond to the concerns expressed.

The St. Luke's network model will provide a single clinical governance and management structure across the eastern region to deliver a service to patients in line with best international standards. This also means a significant increase in radiotherapy capacity in the public system in Dublin and the east, with 12 instead of eight linear accelerators. Further development under phase 2 of the national plan for radiation oncology will see capacity increase further to meet future needs.

On the Bill's enactment, staff at St. Luke's Hospital will become HSE staff and, therefore, will be able to work across the hospitals in the network under this governance structure. The network's establishment and the involvement of St. Luke's Hospital's staff in all three centres from the beginning will enable the new centres to reflect the successful patient-centric model that the hospital represents.

I might be handling the carers matter in the Seanad next week. If not, I would be delighted to meet Senator Phelan privately concerning the supported care home issue. I cannot answer him now.