Jim McDaid (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)

While this debate has mostly revolved around the tragic consequences that have occurred in the midlands I wish to make two points to the Minister, one of national importance and the other of more local importance.

Of all the drugs, technology, and the Star Wars-type equipment available in the medical field, which mother nature and science has thrown up to us, only one substance is known to prevent cancer. There is a vaccine against what is known as the human papilloma virus. While there are a number of strains of this particular virus, Nos. 16 and 18 have been shown to be responsible for 75% to 80% of all cervical cancer in women. Some 180 women per year are diagnosed with cervical cancer, 70 to 75 of them will die. It generally happens during the prime of a woman's life, in her child bearing years, mostly when she has a young family, yet this vaccine which has been available since 2006 is the only product that prevents cancer. Ireland is only one of two countries in Europe, the other being the Netherlands, that has not made this vaccine available. For example, in Greece it is mandatory for all 12 year-old girls to have this vaccine. It is available in all other countries in Europe. While screening is wonderful when we have it, cervical cancer remains the second largest killer of women outside breast cancer in the 15 to 44 age group. If this vaccine was to be made available through the GMS it would ensure that females of the appropriate age would be able to avail of this potentially life saving treatment free of charge. While I am aware the cervical screening programme is to be rolled out next year, if it is not on the GMS list and does not receive approval from the Minister, it could mean that in the interim period a significant number of females could benefit from the vaccine.

Where is this vaccine? It is with the National Immunisation Advisory Committee. The NIAC is studying the cost effectiveness of this vaccine. Every other country in Europe has done a cost effective study on this vaccine, including the UK. How many more cost effective studies do we need? By the time the NIAC allows it to go on to the market it will probably take another year between negotiations and the tender process. In effect a vaccine which has been available since 2006 and known to be safe will still not have been rolled out in this country and whatever number of women will not have benefited. I ask the Minister to take that point into consideration as it concerns cancer and cancer treatment in general.

The other programme is a local one. While I agree with centres of excellence, cancer treatment has three stages of management. First, it involves the diagnosis which is either through mammography, radiology or biopsy. The second part involves surgery, where required. The third stage, which is what has happened in the north west, is a radiation oncology prescription which is required by these women for ten weeks after surgery. It is a ten minute procedure every day of the week generally for ten weeks. The women of County Donegal have to travel and book into bed and breakfast accommodation from Sunday to Friday. They are away from their families at a potentially terrible time in their lives. It is this radiation oncology that I hope will be provided in the north west whether through the private or the public sector. I do not mind which, nor do my patients, so long as it is provided.

If the private sector builds a hospital which is on the plans, and of which the Minister is aware, I ask her to ensure it receives every assistance to expedite this project because that third stage of the management of cancer, radiation oncology, is the part that is getting to the people of the north west. If one looks at the map one will see centres in Belfast, Dublin, Waterford, Cork and Galway while the north west is naked. The reason for this is that the north west does not have the population. Derry city is the fourth largest city in the country. Donegal has the seventh largest population with 140,000 to 150,000 people. I am trying to work out where the figures come from. While I would dearly like to have a centre of excellence will the Minister please ensure that at least the oncology part is made available and that no obstacle is put in its way whether it comes through the public or the private sector?

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