Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 209: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the full range of facilities, surgical and medical, at all levels including consultants posts, that are available at the AMINCH and NAAS group of hospitals will remain in place in the aftermath of financial cutbacks imposed or contemplated by her; the effects to date; if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of the community in the catchment areas in the event of any restriction of services which might lead to fundamental damage to the original projections for the hospitals concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39700/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I take it that the Deputy is referring to the Adelaide and Meath Hospital incorporating the National Children's Hospital, Tallaght (AMiNCH). As these are service issues, the Health Service Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 210: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the future of St. Luke's Hospital, Dublin in view of the concerns of patients and the need to ensure the availability of services on an ongoing basis; if contacts or discussions have taken place or are pending which might affect the future of the hospital, the co-location plans or other factors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39701/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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Radiotherapy services will transfer from St. Luke's to St James's Hospital and Beaumont Hospital 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 of this report shortly.

It is important to note that the complete transfer of services from St. Luke's Hospital to new facilities at St. James's Hospital and Beaumont Hospital is not due to take place for a number of years. A partial transfer will occur in the last quarter of 2010. In the meantime, additional linear accelerators were commissioned at St. Luke's last year in order to provide much needed interim capacity pending the roll out of the National Plan for Radiation Oncology.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 211: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the degree to which all the facilities available at Naas General Hospital, County Kildare, including theatres, staff requirements, equipment and accommodation have become fully operational in accordance with the original development plan for the upgrading of the hospital; the remainder and schedule for completion of outstanding works; if she will give an assurance that the development of the facilities thereat will not in any way be reduced, impaired or downsized for whatever reason and that the hospital will meet in full its obligations to serve the needs of people in this important catchment area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39702/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.