Vol. 531 No. 4
31 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made in the provision of a radiotherapy unit at Waterford Regional Hospital, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1186/01]
144 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals he has to expedite the work of the expert review group on radiotherapy service in order that it will report at a much earlier date than the middle of the year, in view of the fact that it will impact on the provision of a radiotherapy unit at Waterford Regional Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6073/01]
145 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a realistic prospect of a radiotherapy unit being provided at Waterford Regional Hospital within the lifetime of the National Development Plan 2000-2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6074/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 31, 144 and 145 together.
The planned development of cancer services nationally has been guided by the national cancer strategy. As part of the implementation of that strategy, it is planned to develop further radiotherapy services to complement services available from other supra-regional centres at Cork and Dublin.
I have established an expert working group under the chairmanship of Professor Donal Hollywood to examine radiotherapy requirements. The work of the expert group is at an advanced stage and the group's report is expected by the middle of the year. I trust the Deputy will appreciate that the group should be allowed the opportunity to fully examine all the issues involved in such an important area. The needs of the south east region will be considered in the context of this report.
