APR 2005

Mary Harney meets with Fianna Fail T.Ds for Donegal on Health Issues

The Tanaiste and Minister for Health, Mary Harney, and her officials met Fianna Fail T.D.s for Donegal to discuss many issues that effect the county from the Accident and Emergency needs, through the extra bed need to the overall situation in relation to breast cancer services.

The immediate requirement for increased A & E bays was stressed, as was the fact that an application was currently before the Department in this regard. This is an absolute necessity at this point in time for both users of the service and to free up space to ensure that impacts on surgery, accruing presently, can be reduced.

The increasing population and the aging population of the county were underlined, in the context of the need for an increase in the bed provision. The deputies asked , as a matter of urgency, that the Minister and her Department would consider the requirements of the county, now and into the future and endorse a plan that will embrace those needs.

The ongoing issues in relation to having Breast Check expanded into the North West and the breast cancer services put on a more definite footing were explored, as were the possible solutions to these matters. There was a useful exchange of views on issues of proximity of service, level of service and the rights of the patient to the best possible treatment.

The Tanaiste undertook to review the options that were suggested by local Fianna Fail representatives and to meet with them again.

Speaking after the meeting, local T.D. Deputy Cecilia Keaveney commented, "It was important for me to have the opportunity not only to put on record, in the House, my feelings in relation to the Health requirements of us and our families in the North West, but to ensure that the Tanaiste and the officials got the information from the local perspective. From the level of discussion undertaken today I know that the Tanaiste understands the concerns. I look forward to the follow up meeting".

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