Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)

We have received apologies from Deputies Colm Burke and Sorca Clarke and Senators Maria Byrne and Teresa Costello. Deputy Donna McGettigan is substituting for Deputy Clarke and she is very welcome.

I advise members of the constitutional requirement that they must be physically present within the confines of the Leinster House complex in order to participate in public meetings. I will not permit a member to participate where they are not adhering to this constitutional requirement. Therefore, any member who attempts to participate from outside the precincts will be asked to leave the meeting. In this regard, I ask members partaking on MS Teams that, prior to making their contributions to the meeting, they confirm they are on the grounds of the Leinster House campus.

The minutes of the meetings of 14 October and 15 October have been circulated. Are they agreed? Agreed.

Today, the committee will consider issues relating to the health services for cancer. This is a very important topic and one we all care about deeply. It is important to note that cancer services were once the jewel in the crown of the health service and a good example of what could be achieved with sustained investment and political will. However, the focus has slipped a bit on the national cancer strategy and we are having this session in part to put a spotlight back on this issue, especially around the implementation and funding of the strategy. While patient outcomes have improved over recent decades, we are seeing delayed diagnoses, missed targets, regional variations and staff shortages, unfortunately. Hopefully, we can tease out many of these issues this morning, and the issue around funding for cancer services in particular.

The session this morning is divided into two parts. In this first part, we have the representatives of the Irish Cancer Society and, after a short break, we will have representatives from the HSE in the second part of our meeting. To commence our considerations of these matters, I welcome from the Irish Cancer Society: Mr. Steve Dempsey, director of advocacy and communications; Ms Amy Nolan, director of clinical affairs; and Dr. Michael McCarthy, the president of the Irish Society of Medical Oncologists

As a note on privilege, members and 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 may be regarded as damaging to the good name of a 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 Mr. Dempsey to make the opening remarks on behalf of the Irish Cancer Society.