Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 213: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when public radiotherapy services at Waterford Regional Hospital will be available to patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16592/07]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 303: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the provision of radiotherapy for public patients at Waterford Regional Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17434/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 213 and 303 together.

The development of radiation oncology at Waterford Regional Hospital (WRH) is an integral part of the Government's National Plan for Radiation Oncology. This will be part of a major oncology development at WRH, including the provision of a 20 bed oncology day ward. It is my objective and that of the HSE to see the early delivery of the Plan in the best interests of cancer patients throughout the country. The HSE and my Department are considering options to speed up the pace of delivery. In the interim, a service level agreement was signed on 1 February between the HSE and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre Whitfield Clinic in County Waterford. This will support the referral of public patients for radiation oncology treatment pending the commissioning of the radiation oncology centre at WRH.