Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 236: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will give approval and resources for the provision of a dedicated haematology and oncology unit at Waterford Regional Hospital as proposed by the South Eastern Health Board. [24238/04]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The South Eastern Health Board has submitted a draft planning brief to my Department for capital developments at Waterford Regional Hospital which includes the provision of a new oncology and haematology department. My Department is considering this proposal in the context of the capital investment framework 2004-08.

In regard to the overall development of cancer services in the south eastern region, additional cumulative funding of almost €42 million has been allocated since 1997 for the development of appropriate treatment and care services for people with cancer. This investment has enabled the funding of an additional ten consultant posts in key areas of cancer care and also the appointment of 26 clinical nurse specialists across the region.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 237: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the additional resources, facilities and functions for Monaghan General Hospital as outlined in a public statement by her predecessor on 29 September 2004; the timescale for delivery of these measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24239/04]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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My predecessor, the Minister, Deputy Martin, met officials of the North Eastern Health Board and medical representatives of the Cavan-Monaghan hospital group on 28 September last. The Minister was briefed on progress relating to the reconfiguration of hospital services across the group, as follows. The board proposes to recruit five additional non-consultant hospital doctors to facilitate the early restoration of 24 hour seven day medical cover to Monaghan General Hospital. Work is due to commence shortly on an expanded treatment room at Monaghan Hospital. My Department has approved capital funding of €750,000 for this purpose. The project will be completed in a time frame of approximately 16 weeks. The board is to furnish my Department with details of the additional revenue funding required to commission this expanded facility.

The board intends to commission ten additional day beds at Monaghan General Hospital to facilitate an increased volume of elective surgery on a day basis at the hospital. My Department has approved revenue funding of €500,000 for this purpose. Applications for three consultant surgical posts to facilitate the development of surgical services across the Cavan-Monaghan hospital group have been submitted to Comhairle na nOspidéal for approval. The board is to submit proposals to my Department in regard to the provision of an additional 19 beds at Cavan General Hospital, as part of the reconfiguration of services across the group.