Hospital Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2007

Thursday, 1 February 2007

Ceisteanna (143)

John Deasy

Ceist:

134 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children further to the opinion within the Health Service Executive that her plans to provide a national radiotherapy network can not be implemented before 2013 or 2014, when radiotherapy treatment for public patients will be available at Waterford Regional Hospital; if she will continue with her policy to implement this plan through public private partnerships; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3189/07]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

It is my objective and that of the Health Service Executive (HSE) to see the earliest delivery of the Government's National Plan for Radiation Oncology, which includes an integrated facility at Waterford Regional Hospital. I am determined that the HSE will deliver on this Plan in 2011 as originally scheduled. The Board of the HSE is considering how best to procure the radiation oncology facilities and associated equipment, including procurement by PPP, within this timetable. This is a challenging timetable and I will provide the HSE with the necessary support and approvals to deliver on it.