Máirín Quill
Question:137 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Health if he intends to appoint an oncologist to Cork University Hospital in view of his commitment to tackling the scourge of cancer. [2030/96]
Written Answers. - Appointment of Oncologist.
Limerick East): As I indicated previously to the Deputy, Comhairle na nOspidéal, in its recent review of consultant manpower in Cork, invited submissions from the agencies in Cork regarding medical staffing requirements. Staffing needs were identified in a range of specialties, including medical oncology. Comhairle na nOspidéal has accepted the need for a medical oncologist in Cork.
In accordance with the recommendations of the Comhairle report, all new consultant posts for Cork fall to be processed through the pan-hospital structure, in consultation with management of the agencies concerned. When this process has been completed, I will be in a position to consider an application for a consultant oncologist in the context of competing priorities for development funding and available resources within the acute hospital sector.