Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Mar 2003

Vol. 562 No. 6

Written Answers - Cancer Treatment Services.

Joe Sherlock

Question:

58 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the construction of the new chemotherapy unit in St. James's Hospital, Dublin; if funding has been provided for equipping and staffing the unit; when it is expected that the unit will open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6659/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Construction of a new medical oncology day unit at St. James's Hospital is nearing completion. At present my Department is in discussions with the ERHA regarding the equipping and staffing requirements of this unit.

In relation to the overall development of cancer services, an additional sum of €29 million was made available in 2003 under the national cancer strategy. This includes additional revenue funding of €9.78 million made available to the ERHA to address service pressures as follows: €6.24 million in relation to oncology-haematology services, including oncology drug treatments; €2.65 million to ensure adherence to quality standards as set out in the report of the sub-group of the national cancer forum on the development of services for symptomatic breast disease; €0.75 million for designated national centres for cancer services; and €0.14 million for radiotherapy services in St. Luke's hospital.

Question No. 59 answered with Question No. 37.