Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

I will offer one minute of my time to Deputy McGinley.

I compliment the Minister on apologising to the people of Portlaoise because it takes political backbone to apologise. On too many occasions, Ministers have been afraid to apologise and I thank her for making that apology.

It is a sad day for the women of County Offaly and for the women of Ireland when statements on this subject are being made in the Dáil today. Deputy Terence Flanagan called for an independent inquiry to be carried out on Portlaoise hospital. I second his request so that we can ascertain who was at fault because someone must have been at fault in this case. It is disappointing to hear the HSE and Professor Drumm not taking the blame because they have to bear a part of the blame. I ask the Minister to do all that is possible to correct what has happened.

Voluntary fund-raising for cancer services takes place all over the country and every day Members are asked for their support in fund-raising for cancer services. The Government should match the funding raised by people putting their hands deep into their pockets who would like to see their tax moneys being spent on cancer services.

See this speech in context