Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I commend Deputies Kenny and Reilly on raising this very important issue in the House.

In outlining my position, I will depict the more human side instead of facts and figures, although bearing in mind that the facts and figures the Minister cited pertain to the period 1994 to 2001. In this day and age, we should have more up-to-date figures on this very serious issue.

Eight years ago my father suffered kidney failure and had to be brought to Sligo three days per week. We come from a very mobile and well-off family and it was great that he could go to Sligo, just 25 miles down the road, and then come back. Each day, when I saw him coming back tired and jaded after being on dialysis, I shuddered to think of what would have happened had he had to go to Galway. Unfortunately, victims of cancer must travel to Galway, and they spend two or two and a half hours doing so. One would not get through Claregalway or Tuam without difficulty. Last Sunday it took me two hours to get into Galway. Having to travel so far is a great hindrance and problem for patients.

This debate is not about point scoring and politicians are elected by the people. Patients, medical practitioners, families and friends come to us as politicians stating they attended so many public meetings and protest marches in Sligo and Castlebar, and marches to Leinster House. People have taken the time to come to Dublin to listen to this debate tonight because we are approaching the endgame of a charade that has gone on too long.

I have sometimes nearly been embarrassed by members of the Government shouting they are with the people outside the House while adopting a stance against them in the House. It is very difficult to be in government in such circumstances. I genuinely feel for the Senators and Deputies from the constituencies involved because it is very difficult to implement national policy. For once, we must have a little honesty in the House. What has happened has undermined the public perception of politics. There are Deputies present tonight with a heavy heart. I ask the Taoiseach to allow an open vote on this very important issue in the Dáil, and likewise in the Seanad when it discusses the matter. Thus, Deputies and Senators can show where they stand on this very difficult matter.

On coping with cancer, one of the Mayo Clinic's top ten tips states, "Try to maintain your normal lifestyle." How can one maintain a normal lifestyle when oneself and one's family must drive the whole way to Galway and come back the next day? The clinic advises, "Take each day at a time. When the future is uncertain, organizing and planning may suddenly seem overwhelming".

There is a line between Dublin and Galway, above which there are centres of excellence in Castlebar, Letterkenny and Sligo. We now want to ensure there is one in the north west. The people of the north west deserve much better than what is being recommended.

With regard to the protest marches that have taken place, it is up to the Government to listen to the people and to govern. I ask it once more to please respect the wishes of the families and patients in the north west and ensure they have a centre of excellence. I ask the Taoiseach once again to allow an open vote on this very serious matter. I will applaud the Deputies and Senators of the Oireachtas when they participate in that open vote.

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