Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 May 2004
93 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the decision that he has made on the location of the two radiotherapy services centres in the Eastern region following the recommendations of the report on the development of radiation oncology services in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15417/04]
View answerI launched the report, The Development of Radiation Oncology Services in Ireland, in October 2003. The report is a most authoritative analysis of radiation oncology and provides a detailed plan for the future development of radiation oncology services nationally. The Government has accepted the recommendations of the report and the development of these services as recommended in this report is the single most important priority in cancer services in the acute setting.
The report recommends that there should be two treatment centres located in the eastern region, one serving the southern part of the region and adjacent catchment areas and one serving the northern part of the region and adjacent catchment areas. I have asked the chief medical officer of my Department to advise on the optimum location of radiation treatment facilities in Dublin. The chief medical officer will apply the guidelines established by the group and will be supported by the hospital planning office of my Department and international experts. A number of international organisations, expert in the field of oncology, including radiation oncology, have been asked to nominate experts. A detailed request for submissions is being finalised at present and will be available to relevant hospitals shortly.
