Brian O'Shea
Ceist:935 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children when he proposes to publish the expert group report on the future of radiotherapy services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20500/03]
Written Answers. - Cancer Treatment Services.
As the Deputy is aware, I established the expert working group on radiation oncology services in 2000 to examine and advise me on the appropriate future development of radiation oncology services nationally. The group has now submitted its report. In preparing this, the group conducted a national assessment of needs for radiotherapy services having regard to the demography and epidemiology of cancer and the gaps in current service provision. All health boards have been afforded the opportunity to meet with the group and make submissions on a number of occasions.
The report addresses the following key issues: access to radiotherapy services, comprising information, financial access and organisational components of access; the need to provide a high-quality, evidence-based service; the need to take account of current and new developments in health technology; the requirements of the system in terms of human resources; international norms in relation to service provision, planning and staffing; and the organisational development of the services in terms of structures and processes which need to be in place in a radiotherapy facility. The report is currently being considered by Government and I expect to publish it within the next few weeks. I accept that a significant under-provision in radiation oncology exists at present and the provision of additional radiation oncology services is being considered in the context of the group's report.