Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 134: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the funding provided by the Health Service Executive for radiotherapy services in the south east; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3070/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Cancer patients in the south east who require radiotherapy are referred to St. Luke's Hospital Dublin and Cork University Hospital. Two radiation oncologists, one from each hospital, have sessional commitments at the hospitals in the south east. The more recent appointment in September 2005 is a joint appointment with Cork University Hospital. She has a five sessional commitment to the south east, which is a significant additional resource to cancer patients in the region. Both appointments will ensure that there is appropriate radiation oncology input into the multi-disciplinary treatment of cancer patients and that patients have equitable access to the services in both Dublin and Cork. The protocols for the referral of patients are developed by the relevant consultants. In 2005, two new linear accelerators were commissioned at Cork University Hospital and patients from the south east are benefiting from improved access to this increased radiotherapy capacity supported by the consultant radiation oncologist to whom I have referred. The funding for these services is encompassed in the allocation by the Health Service Executive to the relevant hospitals.

Last July I announced the Government's plan for a national network of radiation oncology services to be put in place by 2011 and commencing in 2008. The network will consist of four large centres in Dublin, Cork and Galway and two integrated satellite centres at Waterford Regional Hospital and Limerick Regional Hospital. The satellite radiation oncology service at Waterford Regional Hospital is to be managed by Cork University Hospital. The Health Service Executive, in association with the National Development Finance Agency and my Department, is currently developing the output specifications for the delivery of substantial additional capacity through a public private partnership. The associated human resource plan, which is essential to deliver on the Government's objective, is also being developed as a matter of priority and will take into account the developments at Waterford Regional Hospital.

I am determined to continue to build on the substantial developments and increased capacity in cancer care so that we have a world class service available and accessible to patients in each region.