Written answers

Thursday, 27 September 2007

Department of Health and Children

Hospital Services

5:00 pm

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding the development of planned radiation oncology centres; the estimated timetable of delivery of these centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21343/07]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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It is my objective and that of the Health Service Executive (HSE) to see the earliest delivery of the Government's National Plan for Radiation Oncology. Considerable progress is being made in implementing the Plan which I have supported by substantial additional investment. Additional revenue funding of €3.25m this year will support the appointment of five additional Consultant Radiation Oncologists, seven Specialist Registrars and five support staff.

My Department and the HSE have been working closely on the examination of procurement options in order to expedite the delivery of the Plan. I met with Department officials and with the HSE yesterday. It is now clear that we will have in place radiation oncology capacity to meet the needs of the population by 2010. After 2010 we will continue to increase capacity to ensure that these needs continue to be met. I am fully confident that this will be achieved through a combination of direct Exchequer provision, PPP and where appropriate in the interim, the use of capacity in the private sector.

Developments to date include the procurement of additional capacity (2 linear accelerators) for St. Luke's Hospital Rathgar. These linear accelerators will be commissioned in February and March 2008 and two replacement linear accelerators will be commissioned in August and September 2008. The contract for the design consultants for the interim facilities in Beaumont and St. James's has commenced. The evaluation process for procurement of the supply contract is also underway and a technical subgroup is preparing the equipping specification for the phase 1 developments.

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