Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:111 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he can give an assurance that patients have ready access to radium and-or chemotherapy treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12771/02]
Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment Services.
From 1997 to date, more than €103 million has been invested in the development of appropriate treatment and care services for people with cancer. Among a range of other initiatives, this investment has enabled the funding of 64 additional consultant posts in key areas such as medical oncology, radiology, symptomatic breast disease, palliative care, histopathology and haematology, together with support staff. This level of funding far exceeds the £25 million, which was initially envisaged in 1996 and is a clear indication of this Government's continued commitment to the development of co-ordinated and patient-focused treatment in line with the national cancer strategy.
This year a total of €27.315 million was provided for the maintenance and development of cancer services. This includes the provision of €23.55 million, which was allocated to the health boards for the continuing development of oncology services, including funding for oncology drug treatments.
In relation to access to radiotherapy services, the Deputy will be aware that I established an expert working group on radiotherapy services to examine the appropriate further development of radiotherapy services in this country. The work of the expert group is at an advanced stage. Because of the importance and the complexity of the work, it is not possible to give an exact date for the report of the expert group, but it is anticipated that its work will be completed in the near future. The provision of additional services for radiotherapy treatment will be considered in the context of the report of the group.
The new health strategy identified the need for the preparation, by the end of 2002, of a revised implementation plan for the national cancer strategy. This will be prepared by my Department in conjunction with the National Cancer Forum and will set out the key areas to be targeted for the development of cancer services over the next seven years.