Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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166. To ask the Minister for Health if he will address concerns for the proper and timely care of oncology patients at the centre of excellence at University Hospital Galway in the Health Service Executive west area, where it has been confirmed by the Saolta University Healthcare Group that a total of 95 oncology clinics have been cancelled since January 2015, impacting on 866 oncology patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22812/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The deferral of oncology clinics as outlined has occurred at Galway University Hospital since January due to a number of staff vacancies arising. Saolta University Health Care Group have recently completed a recruitment process to fill four vacancies and it is hoped that the successful candidates will all be in their posts by July. Some additional staff are also being recruited.

Meanwhile all patients have been offered an alternative appointment and some of those deferred have since attended the hospital.