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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 1

Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment Services.

Enda Kenny

Question:

109 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children when will the report of the expert group on the development of radiotherapy services will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3336/03]

Simon Coveney

Question:

173 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children when the report of the expert group on the development of radiotherapy services will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3333/03]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 173 together.

As the Deputies will be aware, I established the expert review group on radiotherapy services to examine the appropriate future development of radiotherapy services. The group has conducted a national assessment of needs for radiotherapy services having regard to the demography and epidemiology of cancer and the gaps in current service provision.

The group's report will address the following key issues: access to radiotherapy services in terms of information, financial access and organisational components of access; the need to provide a high quality, evidence based service; the need to take account of current and new developments in health technology; the requirements of the system in terms of human resources; international norms in relation to service provision, planning and staffing; and the organisational development of the services in terms of structures and processes which need to be place in a radiotherapy facility.

I understand that the work of the expert review group on radiotherapy services is at the final editing stage and will be submitted to me shortly. All health boards have been afforded the opportunity to meet and make submissions to the group. The provision of additional radiotherapy services will be considered in the context of the report of the expert working group. Following consideration of the report, I will submit proposals for consideration by Government.

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