Mary Hanafin
Question:316 Ms Hanafin asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of radiotherapy units in each health board area; and the plans, if any, there are to develop further units. [7649/99]
Written Answers. - Hospital Services.
Radiotherapy is a highly specialised and capital intensive service. Because of its complexity and the considerable cost involved, there are currently just two public radiotherapy facilities in Ireland. These are in St. Luke's Hospital, Dublin and Cork University Hospital. However, I am pleased to say that a third public radiotherapy facility will be provided as part of the major development of University College Hospital Galway. I also approved, recently, the provision of a second linear accelerator for the radiotherapy unit at Cork University Hospital.
Michael Ring
Question:318 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for a hip replacement operation assessment in view of the fact he has waited five years and he has to get injections for his severe pain. [7667/99]
The provision of medical services to eligible persons in County Mayo in this instance is the statutory responsibility of the Western Health Board. However, I have asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the position in relation to this case and to reply to the Deputy directly.