Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. My initial response would have been a good one if the question had been about the Irish Cancer Society, which, of course, it was not. It related to a totally different matter, but this is not the first time I have been asked to come to the Chamber and read out a prepared statement relating to something for which I am not responsible that is not related to an issue a Deputy has raised.

The issue the Deputy raised is one that is close to my heart. I know people, including family members, who have availed of volunteer drivers and used cancer support services. The question he raised is not a difficult one to answer, and while I do not have the answer for it, we will try to get one for him. The issue cuts to the heart of a lot of rural communities, especially where they are isolated from acute hospitals. In many cases, people depend on neighbours or family members to drive them to hospital appointments, and in the absence of a family member, a volunteer who can serve the likes of Cancer Connect, the Irish Cancer Society or whatever is invaluable.

I will ask the Minister for Health or a Minister of State to revert to the Deputy on the matter. It relates to a service a lot of people in this House will have been touched by. While we will not have gone out seeking to be touched by it, we know the value of it.

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