Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 8: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will clarify if plans are in place for County Donegal cancer patients to be treated at Altnagelvin Hospital in County Derry; if she will discuss these plans; when the plans will be in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23157/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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In April 2008, Minister Michael McGimpsey of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSS&PS), Northern Ireland announced the provision of a satellite centre (linked to Belfast City Hospital) to be located in Altnagelvin in Derry. It will provide the additional radiotherapy capacity needed to meet an anticipated increase in cancer in Northern Ireland. It also recognises the potential for cross border co-operation in the development of this resource.

I welcomed the announcement by Minister McGimpsey. Officials from my Department and their counterparts in Northern Ireland continue to hold discussions in this regard. The HSE has provided information on cancer patients and projected needs for radiotherapy to 2025 to assess the number of people living in Donegal and surrounding areas who would be likely to avail of the new services in Altnagelvin.

The relevant authorities are developing a business case for the satellite radiotherapy centre at Altnagelvin. I understand that the facility is expected to be operational by 2015 and I anticipate that patients from the Donegal area will be among those using it. Patients from Donegal with breast cancer or prostate cancer continue to be referred, if they so wish, to Belfast City Hospital for radiotherapy. In the 12 months ending 1 April, 2009, 30 patients availed of this option.