Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)

Professor Niall O'Higgins said that a population of some 300,000 is entitled to a centre of excellence. He advocated the provision of 12 such centres, but that number has been reduced to eight. Why is there no centre in place for the midlands? Asking people to travel 140 miles at a time of great trauma, angst and emotional suffering is unacceptable. I urge the Minister to establish a centre of excellence in the midlands, whatever the precise location. Moreover, everybody suffering from cancer should be given a medical card to ensure they receive the service to which they are entitled.

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