Vol. 523 No. 2
145 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason the mammography equipment at Cavan General Hospital has been lying idle for over two and a half years in view of the fact it was bought at a cost of £75,000. [19463/00]
I wish to inform the Deputy that that provision of services at Cavan General Hospital is the statutory responsibility of the North Eastern Health Board in the first instance.
I have been advised by the board that the mammography equipment in question was purchased in 1997 by the Friends of Cavan Hospital. The Deputy will be aware that there was a review of the services for symptomatic breast disease carried out by a sub group of the national cancer forum and I have received their report. I have considered this report, and while having taken no final decisions on its implementation, I accept the broad trust of its recommendations. However, I feel that some further refinements are needed in relation to implementation arrangements at local level. In this regard, I have recently announced the establishment of an advisory group, to be chaired by Professor Niall O'Higgins, St. Vincent's Hospital, to assist and liaise with health boards in formulating their plans for the development of specialist breast cancer services. I am confident that the development of symptomatic breast disease services which will result, will greatly enhance the quality of the services currently available to the women of Ireland.
146 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received the report on national mammography services; if so, when he received the report; and the steps he will take to deal with the report. [19464/00]
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I have received the report of the sub group of the national cancer forum on the development of services for symptomatic breast disease. I have considered this report, and while having taken no final decisions on its implementation, I accept the broad thrust of its recommendations. However, I feel that some further refinements are needed in relation to implementation arrangements at local level. In this regard, I have recently announced the establishment of an advisory group, to be chaired by Professor Niall O'Higgins, St. Vincent's Hospital, to assist and liaise with health boards in formulating their plans for the development of specialist breast cancer services. I am confident that the development of symptomatic breast disease services which will result, will greatly enhance the quality of the services currently available to the women of Ireland.
