Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to participate in the debate. The information on cancer that is available predicts that the number of people with cancer will double in the next 15 years. That is a disturbing prediction in terms of the impact it will have not just on society, but on our entire culture. If we do not address the issue now, it is difficult to understand how we will be able to cope with such an increase in cancer in 15 years. A concise and coherent strategy needs to be put in place, backed up with an action plan. The appropriate funding needs to be put in place also. The strategy must be focused on the best outcome for patients. As other speakers have said, patients must be at the centre of the process. The strategy must be patient-focused and it must look at the potential to save lives.

A number of Deputies said this issue was about women's lives. Clearly, cancer affects people across the population and has the potential to double in numbers. The strategy is about saving those lives and we have an opportunity to put it in place. I fully support the plan as outlined by Professor Keane. If we do not take the type of approach he suggests, we will have a serious problem within 15 years. If that happens, the problem will continue with no input from this House or proper planning. This side of the House is often accused of not putting in place clear strategies and we are accused also of not setting out strategies prior to this one. When the Government does that, it is still accused of not getting it right. What is most important is the outcome for the patient.

From a constituency point of view, the strategy does not propose that a cancer treatment centre should be located in County Clare. However, we are pretty well served by access to both Galway and Limerick and that is welcome. I have sympathy with those areas that are losing cancer services. It is extremely difficult from a political point of view. When I first learned that Ennis General Hospital would lose its mammography services, I, too, was deeply concerned but, like others, when I sought the advice of clinicians and consultants it was clear that, apart from any local political issue, the best outcome from the patients' point of view was to travel to either Limerick or Galway. The reason is that enough patients were not using the service in Ennis to keep the skill levels of those utilising the equipment up to speed or to keep the system or the machinery calibrated.

I support the strategy that is being adopted. I support the Minister wholeheartedly in the efforts she is making. She has been a pillar of strength in regard to this matter. She has assisted all of us in terms of the difficulties we had in coming to an understanding of the reason the strategy must be put in place. I support her in that regard.

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