Reported leaks from the governments confidential Expert Group into the future of cancer care services, which reject the development of a radiotherapy unit for the South East region, have been severely criticised by Wexford Sinn Féin press officer, David Forde.
David Forde said: "Leaks from the governments Expert Group report agree that the present shortfall of clinical radiation oncology services in Ireland is of such a magnitude that major investment is urgently required to develop treatment services.
"However this report is set to reject any such development for the South East region, despite acknowledging that population growth figures for the region will justify this essential service.
"The practice of continuing to force patients who are weak and distressed to make 200 mile round trips to Dublin or Cork, on a daily basis, for a course of life saving radiotherapy treatment that takes only a matter of minutes is shameful.
"Any government that would treat some of the weakest and sickest in our society in such a fashion has nothing to be proud of.
"Sinn Féin have campaigned extensively for proper cancer care services for the region and will continue to highlight this issue.
"A motion calling for a radiotherapy unit to be established immediately in the South East region was passed unanimously at the Ard Fheis two weeks ago and Sinn Féin TD's will be putting hard questions on this matter to the Minister for Health in the Dáil this week."
