John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

This debate reminds me of the cancer debate that took place in the midlands during the 1990s. The difference is that the then Minister, Deputy Michael Noonan, outlined that strategy and his Government's Deputies and councillors opposed it. Consequently this debate is nothing new. It pertains to independent medical advice from the National Cancer Forum, which I fully support this evening as I then did.

Peculiarly, the same players are involved, namely, the patient, who often is forgotten, the Government, the National Cancer Forum, the public and politicians. The same three issues operate this evening as was the case then, that is, location, location, location. Nothing much has changed in this regard.

The arguments in support of the National Cancer Forum remain the same. Regardless of people talking about political involvement and people being under pressure, the same three issues jump out at me this evening as in 1997. The three vital components are that this constitutes independent medical advice, it is not political and most importantly, it is for the patients' benefit.

I do not understand how Members of the Opposition can ignore the fact that of——

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