Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 April 2005
217 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her response to the resignation of a consultant oncologist at Cork University Hospital recently; the steps she is taking to deal with the consequences for cancer patients in County Kerry. [10310/05]
View answer300 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if steps are being taken to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of a consultant oncologist at Cork University Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10936/05]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 217 and 300 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of cancer services and the recruitment and replacement of consultant staff. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer of the executive's southern area to investigate the matters raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.
