Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 38: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the Health Service Executive working group on cystic fibrosis services, which was set up after a report labelled CF services as dangerous will report to her; her views on whether the analysis of the initial report is accurate; and if, in the meantime, she intends to act on the recommendations of the initial report. [9446/05]

Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 96: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the Pollock report into services for cystic fibrosis patients; and if she has examined the need for urgent action to correct the dangerously inadequate staffing levels (details supplied). [9303/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 96 together.

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for health services for patients with cystic fibrosis.

The Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland commissioned Dr. Ronnie Pollock to review the existing hospital services for people with cystic fibrosis in the context of accepted international standards. Dr. Pollock's report was officially launched earlier this year.

The report provides an assessment of need for current and future cystic fibrosis patients and makes a number of recommendations with regard to the numbers and categories of staff that are appropriate for a modern, multi-disciplinary cystic fibrosis service. The report concluded that cystic fibrosis care should be provided in fewer units of a more significant size so that viable staffing levels can be maintained and to ensure that staff have a sufficient workload to enable them to maintain their skills level.

Following the publication of the Pollock report the Health Service Executive met the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland and agreed to the latter's request to establish a working group to consider the report's recommendations. The group, which includes representatives from the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland and the Health Service Executive, as well as relevant clinicians, will review the current configuration and delivery of services to cystic fibrosis patients, across hospital and community, and make recommendations for improvement and development of services. I understand that the group will hold its first meeting in April.

I also understand that the Health Service Executive is pursuing with St. Vincent's Hospital, which is designated as the national adult cystic fibrosis centre, proposals for improvement to the physical infrastructure of the centre.

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 123: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the two centres in Dublin which are to provide radiotherapy services in the eastern region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9471/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 123 together.

The Government's policy on radiation oncology is based on the report on the development of radiation oncology services in Ireland. The report recommends that there should be two radiotherapy treatment centres located in the eastern region, one serving the southern part of the region and adjacent catchment areas and one serving the northern part of the region and adjacent catchment areas. The international panel established to advise on the optimum locations for radiation oncology services in the eastern region submitted its advice to me on 28 January last. I intend to reach an early decision in relation to this matter.

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 40: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she plans to promote breastfeeding and enhance breastfeeding support services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9443/05]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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The health promotion unit of my Department is committed to the promotion, protection and support ofbreastfeeding and has undertaken and supported a number of initiatives in this regard.

A national committee on breastfeeding has been established and is currently in the final stages of developing a national strategic action plan on breastfeeding. This plan aims to create a supportive culture for breastfeeding in Ireland and emphasises the importance of partnership working with all relevant stakeholders. The plan also emphasises the importance of breastfeeding support services and recognises the valuable work being undertaken by voluntary and statutory organisations. An extensive consultation process has taken place and it is hoped to publish the action plan later this year.