Vol. 504 No. 2
218 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children when he will review the national cancer strategy with a view to providing a radium treatment unit at Waterford Regional Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11424/99]
The national cancer strategy is aimed at reorganising and developing cancer services throughout the country. The regional director of cancer services in the South-Eastern Health Board has submitted a plan to my Department, for the development of cancer services in the region, with the prior approval of the board. This plan prioritises the board's needs and requirements for the development of the service, and outlines proposals for increased links with the existing radiotherapy centre at St Luke's Hospital, Dublin.
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 recently approved the provision of a second linear accelerator for the radiotherapy unit at Cork University Hospital.
219 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the post natal depression group in the Southern Health Board region does not have a room where it can meet clients to provide its service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11501/99]
The question of hospital services in this instance is the responsibility of the Southern Health Board. I have asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the position in relation to this matter and reply to the Deputy directly.
220 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement outlining the expenditure of £450,000 for hospice and palliative care services granted to the North- Western Health Board in 1997 in respect of each service component. [11596/99]
221 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement outlining the expenditure of £450,000 granted for hospice and palliative care services to the North-Western Health Board in 1998 in respect of each service component. [11597/99]
222 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement outlining the proposed expenditure of £450,000 granted for hospice and palliative care services to the North-Western Health Board in 1999 in respect of each service component. [11598/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 220, 221 and 222 together.
The information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. However, I have made inquiries of the North-Western Health Board and I will respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.
