Vol. 524 No. 1
130 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Health and Children the current status of the breast cancer and oncology unit at Portlaoise Hospital, County Laois; the future plans his Department has for enhancing and developing the unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21840/00]
I understand from the Midland Health Board that there is currently no change in the status of services at Portlaoise General Hospital. I recently announced the establishment of an advisory group for symptomatic breast cancer services which is being chaired by Professor Niall O'Higgins, St. Vincent's Hospital, to assist and liaise with health boards in formulating their plans for the development of specialist breast cancer services in the context of the report of the sub group to the National Cancer Forum on development of services for symptomatic breast disease. The advisory group has already met with executives and clinicians of the Midland Health Board and a further meeting with the board will be held shortly.
