Harney faces radiotherapy clinic query

TÁNAISTE Mary Harney will be asked to clarify what exactly is the current status of the proposed radiotherapy clinic for Waterford when she is questioned on the issue in the Dáil tomorrow.

A media report in the past days suggests that private hospital developments planned on existing hospital grounds are to be scrapped.

Waterford TD, Brian O’Shea, says it’s time for clear, unambiguous answers.

He’s already condemned as having all the appearances of “a cynical pre-election gimmick” the seeking of tenders for the provision of radiotherapy as part of an 85-bed private clinic in the ground of Waterford Regional Hospital.

Mr O’Shea has tabled a question for tomorrow’s Dáil sitting asking the Tánaiste and Health Minister to state the up to date position regarding the development of a satellite radiotherapy unit at Waterford Regional Hospital.

“We have been getting various dates for the provision of radiotherapy at WRH, from 2011 to 2008,” said Mr O’Shea.

“I want to know if all of us are being misled by the HSE and by the minister and if the provision of radiotherapy through public private partnership at Ardkeen is simply a gimmick by the Government.

“If the reports are accurate, it is a very cynical exercise to seek tenders for projects on which there is no intention to move ahead on,” he said.

The Department of Health has said that the media report which claims that the private developments are to be scrapped is based on an outdated document.