Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 333: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the nature, level and source of the expert advice referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 324 of 7 November 2006, with reference to the proposed closure of St. Luke's Hospital, Rathgar, Dublin 6; if this advice was sought or came unsolicited; if she had received reports or proposals regarding the use or alternative use of the hospital and its site prior to the Government's decision to close; if a feasibility study was undertaken or findings therefrom published or presented; if her attention has been drawn to the widespread unease, unrest and dismay of patients who have attended there at the prospect of the loss of the expert care and attention provided at St. Luke's in a warm caring and personal environment; if she has received expressions of concern from patients who are anxious that the proposed relocation of the services will result in greater stress for patients and will not provide increased or improved services; if she will review the decision to close the hospital in view of these issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41696/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Government's policy on radiation oncology is based on the Report on 'The Development of Radiation Oncology Services in Ireland' which was published in 2003. It was prepared by a multi-disciplinary group of experts in radiation oncology, medical oncology, public health and palliative care. It included experts from St. Luke's Hospital and representatives of bodies such as the Irish College of General Practitioners, the Irish Cancer Society and Aid Cancer Treatment. It has had significant endorsement from such bodies as the National Cancer Forum, US National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.

The Government and I are anxious to build on the expertise and ethos of St. Luke's. It is held in great affection by the Irish people. Many thousands of Irish patients and their families from every part of the country have experienced high quality cancer care at St. Luke's. The decision to transfer St. Luke's Hospital to St. James's Hospital, Dublin was taken by the Government in the best interests of cancer patients. The decision was based on expert medical, scientific and management advice. It is designed to ensure that radiation oncology is integrated with all other aspects of cancer care, including surgery and medical oncology. It is in line with best international practice.

This is the model that exists at Cork University Hospital and University College Hospital Galway and which is being developed at Beaumont and St. James's Hospitals, Dublin. The Board of St. Luke's Hospital and its Executive Management Team are fully committed to supporting this decision. A transfer on similar lines took place earlier this year in Northern Ireland when radiation oncology services transferred from a stand alone facility to Belfast City Hospital, which is a major academic teaching hospital.

In recognition of the role for St. Luke's in the new facility at St. James', I have made a commitment to pursue discussions with the Boards of both Hospitals about its governance and a re-configuration of the Boards, with the twin goals of ensuring continuity of expertise and ethos in the care of cancer patients and the effective integration of multi-disciplinary patient care at the one site. I remain confident the transition will be managed with great sensitivity and skill by the two hospital Boards to achieve those objectives. As regards the future use of the site and facilities at St. Luke's, my objective is to ensure that these resources are utilised in the best interests of the health services. I will discuss this issue in due course with the Health Service Executive and the Hospital Board.

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 334: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the services available to people who suffer permanent brain injury resulting from accidents. [41699/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, 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.