Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Minister arrived late, although I do not believe that is the reason she has chosen to present a particular view of Opposition Deputies' arguments. For my part, my voice is perhaps unique among all the voices in the House in saying that I am not happy with the Minister's cancer plan, as I will describe it. As I stated before the Minister took her seat, it discriminates against the community I represent and people of all regions north of a line from Dublin to Galway. The Minister will be familiar with the axis from Dublin to Galway but there is another part of the country north of it where people are no less deserving of cancer services at locations in the north west and north east. The current and intended arrangements fall far short of what is required.

There is also potential for real and imaginative cross-Border co-operation. I do not believe the current signalled exodus of people from Donegal to Belfast comes in any way close.

I disagree with the Minister's proposal on St. Luke's Hospital. The Bill, as drafted, will remove the hospital and the adoption of amendment No. 2, in the Minister's name, will not alter a scenario which will present whereby St. Luke's Hospital will be employed in a non-related, non-cancer area in the HSE or, worse, sold off, perhaps even to fund the working budgetary needs of the HSE in future.

The Minister has failed to take on board the critical concerns of Members. I commend amendment No. 3. The reason I refer specifically to this amendment is it leaves the door open for the decision to be taken on the future of St. Luke's Hospital in a clear and positive manner in relation to cancer care provision and in the public health service network. This is the future that those of us on this side of the House and many more people the length and breadth of the State and beyond want to see. The issue is not simply a local constituency matter because St. Luke's Hospital has all too sadly been very much part of the family experiences of too many families up and down the length of the State over many years.

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