Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Kyne for his contribution on this matter. Galway University Hospital provides diagnostic services for breast, lung and prostate tumours, with a satellite service for breast cancer at Letterkenny University Hospital. The hospital has a reputation for the delivery of high-quality, innovative and safe care for patients, particularly through the provision of medical, surgical and radiation oncology services.

As the Senator knows, over the past two years more than €40 million in new development funding has been secured for the ongoing implementation of the national cancer strategy. It is the largest investment in the strategy since its launch in 2017. The funding is also being used to increase and bolster existing services, including those delivered through University Hospital Galway, while also facilitating the development and implementation of new services in all cancer clinical programmes. Furthermore, a new €56 million radiation oncology facility is under construction at the hospital. This facility will include all of the various services. I believe it will be completed in 2023.

While no decision has yet been made on the development of a comprehensive cancer centre as outlined in the national cancer strategy, the Department of Health and the national cancer control programme continue to engage with University Hospital Galway to ensure it continues to deliver high-quality cancer services to patients in the west and north west.