Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Last month it was revealed that public patients are still facing waiting times of up to a year and a half for vital tests on suspected cancers, including colonoscopy examinations. This is in spite of the false promises made by the Minister and the Taoiseach on improvements in cancer care, especially in the area of diagnostics. Last October, Susie Long died of cancer after her diagnosis was delayed for months because she was on a waiting list for a colonoscopy. The Taoiseach admitted at the time that Susie Long had been let down by the system.

Deputy Harney has been in this Government for over a decade and has been Minister for Health and Children since 2003.

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