Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 96: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will expand on her recent reply to this Deputy in respect of integration of Northern and Southern health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25527/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As I informed the Deputy in my reply of 10 June, discussions are ongoing between officials from my Department and their counterparts in Northern Ireland in regard to the potential for cross-border co-operation in radiotherapy services, following the announcement of Minister McGimpsey of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, Northern Ireland of the provision of a satellite radiotherapy centre, linked to Belfast City Hospital, at Altnagelvin.

I understand that the facility is expected to be operational by 2015 and I anticipate that Donegal patients will be among those using it. Since my reply of 10th June, there have been no further developments in this regard.

If there is a specific issue on which the Deputy requires further information, I would be happy to supply it.