Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 270: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on including orthodontic treatment under the terms of the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36089/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 271: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason her Department has not introduced hearing screening for all newborn babies; her plans to introduce such a programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36107/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The report of the Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening Group commissioned by the former Health Boards was received in my Department earlier this year and is being assessed. My Department is also in discussion with the Health Service Executive in relation to its implementation.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 272: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress she has made in view of the attendance in May 2006 of thousands of people from Donegal at a rally in support of a group (details supplied) in Letterkenny to address the demands of the group and the people of Donegal. [36109/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I am fully committed to the development of high quality and quality assured cancer care for all patients regardless of geography. Outcomes for patients is what drives our policy and investment in cancer care. This objective is shared by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and is reflected in the Executive's National Service Plan, 2006. There has been significant investment in cancer care in the North West since 1997. Additional medical Consultants have been appointed in the region in key areas of cancer care, including medical oncology, surgery, histopathology, haematology and palliative care. Over twenty cancer care nurse specialists have been appointed.

Last June the HSE concluded its review of options for the future provision of breast care services for Donegal. The HSE decided to develop breast care services within a framework that merges the Specialist Breast Care Unit at University College Hospital Galway (UCHG) with that at Letterkenny General Hospital (LGH). The HSE intends to appoint a permanent breast surgeon who will be primarily based at LGH with sessions at UCHG.

I have met with representatives of BreastCheck and they are fully aware of my wish to have a quality assured programme rolled out to the remaining regions in the country as quickly as possible. BreastCheck is confident that the target date of next year for the commencement of roll out to the Western and Southern regions will be met.

Last May I officially opened an 11 bed oncology ward at LGH. The development is supported by an oncology day case area, breast care suite and a clean air pharmaceutical preparation room. The provision of a 30 bed modular short stay ward at LGH has been announced and this project will be funded from the A & E initiative monies. A new purpose built Emergency Department and 12 bay Medical Assessment Unit is currently in design stage. The capital plan announced by the HSE includes provision for additional ward space over the proposed new Emergency Department. This has been incorporated into the overall Emergency Department project.

At the last meeting of the British-Irish Inter Governmental Council on 24 October 2006, it was announced that agreement has been reached for the referral of about 50 radiation oncology patients annually from Donegal to Belfast City Hospital. It has also been agreed that the number will be increased if there is sufficient demand from patients in Donegal. The first referral clinic is scheduled to take place tomorrow.

The HSE is committed to supporting the travel needs of patients in Donegal referred to BCH. and currently provides a range of transport services for patients who require radiation oncology treatment. At the request of my Department, the HSE is to examine existing transport arrangements and develop a national integrated plan for the delivery of dedicated transport services for radiation oncology patients.