Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Yesterday, I spent some time at the hospital bedside of a man I know well who is dying of cancer. His wife sat there holding his hand as the end approaches. Many Members will have had this experience with a family member, an acquaintance or a friend.

Today's report of the National Cancer Registry dealing with the discrepancies in cancer treatment throughout the State makes one realise the lottery for life with which people must contend. It very much depends on where one lives. The report indicated that women suffering from breast cancer have a 30% higher chance of dying if they live in the west and the midlands than if they live in Dublin. Men with prostate cancer are twice as likely to die within five years if they live in the mid-west than if they live in the east.

See this speech in context