Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 132: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plan to stop all hospice out of hours cover by specialist junior doctors in County Donegal; the reason this plan does not contravene the development of specialist palliative care here as set out in the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care report; if that report is still her blueprint for the future of Irish palliative care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29144/10]

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her view on her plan to stop all hospice out of hours cover by specialist junior doctors in County Donegal; the reason this plan does not contravene the development of specialist palliative care here as set out in the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care report; if that report is still her blueprint for the future of Irish palliative care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29160/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 134 together.

Government policy in relation to Palliative Care is based on the Report of the National Advisory Committee on Palliative Care (2001). In line with the Report, a 'Palliative Care Services Medium Term Development Framework' was published by the HSE in July 2009. This Framework sets national priorities which have been agreed by all stakeholders based on solid needs analysis. The national priorities reflect the gaps that currently exist in particular areas and services, and the prioritisation reflects the largest gaps. The national priorities selected are aligned to national healthcare policy and the HSE's Transformation Programme and Corporate Plan. However, all developments are subject to current budget and economic considerations.

As the specific issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.