Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 194: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans for St. Luke's Hospital in Dublin if she follows through on closing the hospital and moving radiotherapy services to two other hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6318/06]

Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 195: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if in view of the excellent radiotherapy facilities available at St. Luke's Hospital, she will support the development of radiotherapy services in other regions first; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6319/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 195 together.

My objective in the development of a national network for radiation oncology services is to increase capacity as early as possible and to ensure that all cancer patients will receive care to the best international standards. St. Luke's Hospital board and its executive management team are fully committed to supporting the Government's decisions regarding the development of radiation oncology. In addition, all consultant radiation oncologists at St. Luke's have fully endorsed the decision to provide new centres on the campuses of St. James's and Beaumont hospitals.

The Government has decided that the capital investment involved will be funded mostly through public-private partnership on a design, build, finance, manage and partially operate basis. I am confident that this will have the advantage of offering greater synergies, innovation, transfer of risk and assurance that all centres will be compatible to deliver modern multi-modality integrated cancer care. I do not consider that the achievement of this objective should be delayed. The practical reality is that radiation oncology staff and services at St. Luke's Hospital will relocate to the St. James's Hospital facility on a managed and phased basis. It is important that the necessary planning encompasses continuity of care, human resources, professional development and change management. With regard to the future use of the site and facilities at St. Luke's, my objective will be to ensure that these resources are utilised in the best interest of the health service. I will discuss this issue in due course with the Health Service Executive and the hospital board.