Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 83: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if a regional centre will be made available to citizens in the south eastern region for cancer treatment, in the context of any review of the national cancer strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2202/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Waterford Regional Hospital is the regional centre for acute care, including oncology care, in the south eastern region. In the context of the implementation of the 1996 national cancer strategy, there was a cumulative investment of almost €55 million in cancer services in the South Eastern Health Board up to December 2004. An additional €0.710 million was provided in 2005 to address service pressures in oncology-haematology, nursing and medical support in the south eastern area of the Health Service Executive.

The national cancer forum is finalising a new national cancer strategy which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2005. In developing the new strategy, the forum's considerations have been informed by the broad strategic context in which the cancer strategy exists, a comprehensive review of the current status of cancer care, a review of the literature evidence concerning key aspects of the organisation of cancer services and a review of international models of care. The new strategy will set out the key priorities for the development of cancer services over the coming years and will make recommendations on a balanced organisation of cancer services nationally, with defined roles for hospitals in the delivery of cancer care.