David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this matter. I hope the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Tim O'Malley, will show ministerial qualities in making a decision on this important matter instead of reading what has been handed to him by the civil servants in the Department. We are elected to represent the people in our areas. Deputy Allen has outlined the situation at Cork University Hospital. It is now a matter of life and death for our constituents. Cancer is a serious illness that is frightening and potentially fatal. Thankfully, over several decades procedures and services have been developed meaning that most early detected cancers can be treated effectively. As this is a matter of life and death, it is important the best service possible is provided to ensure the medical professionals involved have the best chance to save lives.

A dedicated cancer ward is badly needed in Cork University hospital. However, the people in the Cork area are not getting the best possible care because several Ministers have not made decisions to open such a ward. To make a large difference, it would only cost approximately €1.6 million per quarter to run such a ward.

The medical consultants and professionals involved are frustrated by the Government's indecision and lack of commitment on this matter. I challenge the Minister of State, Deputy Tim O'Malley, to make a decision giving a commitment for the provision of a dedicated seven day cancer ward. This is the only cancer centre in the State with no dedicated ward. Cancer patients are scattered across seven different wards in the hospital, resulting in the specialist doctors involved not operating at the best level. Instead, they spend most of their time going from one ward to another, meaning other specialist services are fragmented. It is difficult for families, teaching purposes and, most of all, the patients. We appeal to the Minister of State to put his foot down, to say "enough is enough". If he does not, there is no point in him continuing as a Minister and he should resign.

People with cancer related illnesses are now being admitted through the accident and emergency department. Cork, the second largest city in the State, must have a dedicated cancer unit as a priority. I admit much good work has been done at Cork University Hospital. However, one of the top medical doctors in the hospital still resigned out of frustration. From talking to patients I have heard praise for the unit at St. James's Hospital. A similar unit should be opened in Cork. The staff of the hospital does its best but it is now time for the Government to make a decision. Instead of bland remarks on what has been done, we want to know the Government's intentions for the ward.

See this speech in context