Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 220: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position in regard to the future of St. Luke's Hospital, Dublin 6; the extent of negotiations that have taken place with any body or bodies expected to have a bearing on the future use of the hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21523/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Radiotherapy services will transfer from St. Luke's to St James's as part of the implementation of the National Plan for Radiation Oncology. 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. 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 and a Transition Team has been established to oversee developments.

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. I understand that the Friends of St. Luke's are preparing a report on possible future uses of the site and facilities and I hope to receive a copy within the next few months.

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 and two replacement linear accelerators were commissioned at St. Luke's earlier this year in order to provide much needed interim capacity pending the roll out of the National Plan for Radiation Oncology.