Five reviews under way into cancer care

Five reviews are under way into cancer care in the State, the Dáil was told.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) was undertaking reviews of breast disease services in Limerick, Cork and Galway. There was also a review of services at Portlaoise, and management at Cork University Hospital had undertaken a review of work by a locum pathologist who worked there for a number of weeks during the summer.

Mr Ahern said the Hiqa reviews started in June and September. One was expected to be completed in December, and the second in January.

He said the report by Dr Ann O'Doherty, who reviewed 3,707 cases, was in draft form, but when completed would be published subject to legal review.

During Leaders' Questions the Taoiseach was also challenged to have a free vote on the motion of no confidence in Minister for Health Mary Harney.

Labour leader Eamon Gilmore said: "If you were to give your deputies a free vote on this issue I don't think there would be any doubt about the outcome.

"This House doesn't have confidence in your Minister for Health. The public doesn't have confidence in your Minister for Health, and the staff of the health service don't have confidence in your Minister for Health."

Mr Ahern retorted: "My own view is that if you have a free vote a large number of Labour deputies would vote for Minister Harney. My view is you'd be holding them back at that door."

Sinn Féin Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said the issue was so important there should be a free vote.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny had asked if there were now five separate reports going on in Portlaoise; the Hiqa review in Cork, Barrington's hospital in Limerick and the pathology unit at Galway; and in Cork University Hospital in respect of pathology.

He asked the Taoiseach to confirm that 15 patients had been recalled after a review of 166 pathology results at Cork University Hospital.

Mr Ahern said the review began in September, but the hospital's management informed the Department of Health and the Minister on November 23rd. He could not confirm the number, but understood several patients had already been recalled.

He also confirmed that Ms Harney only learned about the separate review of ultrasounds by Dr Peter Naughten last week.