I too wish the four Deputies the best of luck. Deputy Kelleher does not have to worry as Deputy Barry and I will have Cork North Central well looked after in his absence.

I refer to the cancer care programme and the Government's commitment to the provision of oncology services. The Tánaiste will be well aware of recent media reports on the number of consultant posts which remain unfilled at Cork University Hospital, CUH, and the impact on outpatient appointment waiting lists. There are 25,000 people waiting for appointments at CUH. What movement has there been and what efforts are being made by the Government to fill consultant posts in general and, in particular, to ensure the provision of oncology services at CUH?

I have been sent a note reminding me to mention Senator Grace O'Sullivan, who is also heading to the European Parliament. I wish her well.

It is important for me to say that last week, I opened a new oncology unit in Cork University Hospital which involved an investment of €40 million. A further €25 million has been invested in mental health services in the hospital to facilitate the development of the oncology unit. We are investing heavily in cancer care. There are staffing challenges in some specialist areas. The number of additional consultants taken on in the last year is quite significant, but there are still gaps and I accept that. The HSE has assured us that it is actively pursuing a recruitment programme to fill those essential gaps as soon as it can.