Colm Burke (Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to deal with this matter. This question is on a very important issue, the oncology radiation services in Cork. As a result of the overrun in the cost of building the new national children's hospital, there is concern that other projects which were in the process of being provided with capital funding will be affected. One of these projects is this one in Cork. I tabled this Commencement matter to seek a clear indication that the project will not be affected. The delivery of this unit is essential for Cork and the southern region. It is in that context that I raise this matter. It is important that clarification be given at this stage.

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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I will be taking this matter on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Harris, this morning. I thank Senator Colm Burke for raising the issue of radiotherapy services in Cork and for giving me the opportunity to update the House on this matter. Cork University Hospital is a designated cancer centre. Radiation oncology treatment is currently available at the hospital. The Minister, Deputy Harris, would like to assure Senator Burke that the building of the new radiation oncology facility to meet the level of demand that will arise in the coming years is progressing as planned. The construction of the new facility is a key component of the national plan for radiation oncology and its delivery will not be delayed arising from the costs involved at the new children’s hospital.

Radiation oncology treatment is available in four other public hospitals, namely, St. James’s Hospital, Beaumont Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, and University Hospital Galway. Through a North-South joint initiative, radiation oncology services are available to patients from the Republic of Ireland, mostly from Donegal, in the North West Cancer Centre in Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Derry. In addition, contracted services are available to public patients in Waterford and Limerick. Due to the projected increases in cancer incidence arising from an increasing and an aging population, demand for radiation oncology services is expected to grow. New facilities are also planned for Galway and design work has commenced on a facility to house further radiation oncology capacity at Beaumont Hospital. Recommendation 22 of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 highlights the importance of expanding capacity in Cork, Galway and Dublin in line with the national plan for radiation oncology. Building work on the new facility in Cork is nearing completion and will be fully complete in this quarter. Many of the extra staff who will work in the new expanded service are already in place. It is expected that the facility will be fully equipped, commissioned and operational early in 2020.

The HSE’s national cancer control programme, with oversight from the Department of Health, monitors the radiation oncology key performance indicators as agreed in the national cancer strategy. According to the most recent report of November 2018, 87% of referrals to radiation oncology units were offered an appointment within 15 working days. Projects, such as that under construction in Cork, will allow us to continue to provide quality and timely care to patients in the coming years.

Colm Burke (Fine Gael)
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I very much appreciate the Minister of State's reply. The only issue I want to raise is related to equipment. Given that the building is nearing completion, can the Minister of State indicate whether the equipment for the facility has been purchased? Has provision been made for equipment in the 2019 budget or does funding spill over into 2020? That is my concern at this stage. It is important that clarification is provided on this matter.

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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I am unable to answer the Senator's questions on the purchase of and budgeting for equipment for the project. However, I will convey his concerns to the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, and ask that his office provide a direct answer to his questions.

Colm Burke (Fine Gael)
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It is important that a reply is furnished to me in due course. I thank the Minister of State for her assistance in this matter.