Phil Hogan
Question:287 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health and Children when a radiotherapy unit for the south east will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18016/02]
Adjournment Debate. - Radiotherapy Services.
John Deasy
Question:310 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will request that the expert group on the development of radiotherapy services finalise its report for submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18169/02]
Brian O'Shea
Question:325 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the extent to which the crisis in the provision of radiotherapy to cancer patients throughout the country contributes to Ireland's unacceptably high cancer mortality rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18381/02]
Brian O'Shea
Question:326 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children his proposals to ensure the immediate completion and early publication of the report of the expert group on the future of radiotherapy services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18382/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 287, 310, 325 and 326 together.
As the Deputies are aware, an expert review group on radiotherapy services was established to consider the provision of radiotherapy services nationally. All health boards, including the South-Eastern Health Board have been afforded the opportunity to meet with and make submissions to the group. It is anticipated that the report will be finalised shortly and will be published on completion. The provision of additional radiotherapy services will be considered in the context of the report of the expert working group.