Vol. 486 No. 1
584 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will allocate a palliative care post, out of the six posts which are currently available from the Department, to the North-Eastern Health Board region which is currently overstretched in this area. [1760/98]
It is proposed to fund a total of six consultant posts in palliative care medicine on a phased basis under the National Cancer Strategy. The North-Eastern Health Board is among the six regions identified in this regard. The North-Eastern Health Board is currently preparing a regional plan for the development of cancer services in its area. The exact timing and structure of the consultant post in palliative care medicine is being examined in the context of this plan. It will also be considered by my Department in the context of available funds for the post.
