The concern expressed by the Royal College of Surgeons that the geographical distribution of the population of Ireland had to be taken into account in deciding centres for comprehensive cancer treatment should serve as a wake up call to Government that it’s present policy is fundamentally flawed.

This was stated by Independent MEP Marian Harkin when she commented on the Royal College of Surgeons view that a significant gap in cancer services  will exist if a comprehensive centre is not provided north of the Dublin Galway line.

“Unfortunately the area north of the Dublin Galway line has consistently been left behind when economic decisions have been taken and when this discrimination extends to essential health services in places like Sligo, Mayo and Donegal, it is time to shout stop”, she said.

“The fact that the medical body which is responsible for maintaining standards of medical training and professional specialist practice sees fit to question the planned gap in cancer services cannot be ignored and must be addressed by the Government and Professor Tom Keane before cancer policy is set in stone”, Independent MEP Marian Harkin said.