Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The committee will now consider the challenges facing community-based cancer support services in the context of the national cancer strategy. I am pleased to welcome from the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres and Services, Ms Gemma Fort, manager; Recovery Haven Kerry Cancer Support House in Tralee, Mr. Richard Flaherty, CEO; Cancer Care West in Galway, Mr. Conor O’Leary, director of operations; Purple House Cancer Support Centre in Bray; and Mr. John Conroy, manager, Dóchas Offaly Cancer Support Group in Tullamore.

Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that might be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if their statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity they will be directed to discontinue their remarks. It is imperative that they comply with any such direction.

I invite Ms Fort to make her opening remarks on behalf of the Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres and Services.