Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 153: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the efforts she is making to deliver radiotherapy services for the north west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15516/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Patients in the former North Western Health Board are currently being referred for radiation oncology treatment to the radiation oncology department at University College Hospital, Galway and to St. Luke's Hospital, Dublin.

Following discussions between my Department, the Northern Ireland Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and Belfast City Hospital, BCH, it has been agreed to commission Co-operation and Working Together, CAWT, to progress the referral of County Donegal patients to the cancer centre at BCH. CAWT has a track record of successfully managing cross-border projects. Radiation oncology services at BCH commenced last month for cancer patients in Northern Ireland as part of the hospital's integrated and comprehensive cancer care programme, which I expect will be among the best in Europe.