Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2026
407. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health whether she will establish a national, multi-annual radiotherapy equipment replacement programme with ring-fenced funding given that 80% of linear accelerators/linacs require immediate or imminent replacement in Cork; the timeline for its introduction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33924/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to improving cancer care through better prevention, continued improvements in cancer survival rates, and timely access to treatment.
Under the National Plan for Radiation Oncology, state-of-the-art radiotherapy facilities opened in Cork in 2019 and Galway in 2023, representing a capital investment of €120 million.
An equipment replacement programme is currently underway across St Luke’s Hospital Rathgar, St James’s Hospital and Beaumont Hospital, with a phased expansion at Beaumont due for completion by the end of 2030.
The HSE advises that the typical lifespan of a LINAC is at least 10 years, although some can be used for longer depending on many factors, including the manufacturer support.
The oldest LINAC machines at Cork University Hospital are 8 years old, having been installed in 2019.
The HSE's target is that 90% of patients commence their radiotherapy within 15 days of being deemed ready to treat. For the year to date 96.4% of patients have met this target at Cork University Hospital.
To address future needs, the Department of Health has initiated a Strategic Infrastructure Programme to examine the replacement and expansion of radiation therapy equipment across public sites over the next ten years.
This centralised approach will enable cost-effective procurement, efficient delivery and alignment with the National Cancer Strategy and Sláintecare policy, supporting continued high-quality radiotherapy services nationwide.
