359 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the radiotherapy treatment centre attached to the Whitfield Clinic in Waterford will refuse to accept new public patients from 1 May 2010 in view of the fact that there is no contract in place with the Health Service Executive; the steps being taken to rectify this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15180/10]

360 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Health and Children the additional cost that will be incurred by the Health Service Executive if a contract is not negotiated with the operator of the radiotherapy treatment centre attached to the Whitfield Clinic, Waterford, in relation to radiotherapy treatment for cancer patients who will otherwise have to be treated elsewhere; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15181/10]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 359 and 360 together.

The issues raised by the Deputy relate to the delivery of services and accordingly are a matter for the Health Service Executive but, due to industrial action affecting the Executive, it is not possible to refer this question to it. However, I can advise the Deputy that discussions are ongoing between the HSE and the operator referred to by the Deputy in regard to an agreement for the provision of radiotherapy services at Whitfield for public patients in the south-east. I understand that both sides have agreed to refrain from making any public comment while negotiations continue.