Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 244: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that it is still the intention of her Department and the Health Service Executive to transfer the functions of St. Luke's Hospital, Rathgar, Dublin 6 to St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8; if in so doing she recognises the widespread opposition to this move by many current and former patients, as well as local residents; if she will confirm that it is the proposal of her Department and the HSE to sell off the valuable site at St. Luke's to raise capital for her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42393/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The decision to transfer services from St. Luke's was taken by the Government in the context of its consideration of the National Plan for Radiation Oncology Services. The decision is based on expert advice and is designed to ensure that radiation oncology is integrated with all other aspects of cancer care, including surgery and medical oncology. This is in line with best international practice. I am convinced that this model will provide better patient centred treatment with improved quality of service and outcome for patients. The Board of St. Luke's Hospital and its Executive Management Team are fully committed to supporting the Government's decision in relation to the development of radiation oncology.

It is important to note that the transfer of services from St. Luke's Hospital to new facilities at St. James's Hospital is not due to take place for a number of years. In the meantime, two additional linear accelerators and two replacement linear accelerators were commissioned at St. Luke's earlier this year. These will provide much needed interim capacity pending the roll out of the National Plan for Radiation Oncology. No decisions have yet been taken in relation to the future use of the site and facilities at St. Luke's. However, I am anxious to ensure that these resources are utilised in the best interest of the health services.