Brian O'Shea
Question:546 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children his proposals to provide a radiotherapy unit at Waterford Regional Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13589/02]
Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment Services.
Brian O'Shea
Question:547 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received the report of the expert group on the future of radiotherapy services; if he intends to publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13590/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 546 and 547 together.
As the Deputy is aware, I established an expert working group on radiotherapy services to examine the appropriate further development of radio therapy services in this country. The provision of additional services for radiotherapy treatment will be considered in the context of the report of the expert working group.
The work of the expert group on the development of radiotherapy services is at an advanced stage. I have been advised that all health boards, including the South Eastern Health Board, have been afforded the opportunity to meet with the group. Due to the importance and the complexity of the work, it is not possible to give an exact date for the report of the expert group but it is anticipated that their work will be completed in the near future.