John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Calleary for sharing time to discuss this immediate issue which, since it broke in recent few days, is a cause of great concern among the people who use and depend on the service. Deputy Calleary provided the facts and figures but all of us have spoken to people affected by it. Before I came into the Chamber I spoke to an elderly lady who is living with her elderly sister. She does not have transport, she cannot drive and she is living in the south of the county. She must get a lift to Claremorris to get a bus which does not arrive in Castlebar until one and a half hours after the treatment is due to begin. When her treatment is finished at the end of the day there is no bus service to bring her back.

The reality is that the required public transport is not in place but these vulnerable people should not be exposed in this situation. I realise the Minister, Deputy Reilly, has seen many issues fall out of the sky during recent weeks, including accident and emergency issues, hospital doctors, the fair deal scheme and so on and he is dealing with these. However, it is important that this matter is dealt with quickly and that the trauma of wondering whether transport will be available is removed. Earlier this evening, I spoke to the Minister, Deputy Reilly. I realise that in the coming days he will meet senior officials from the HSE, west. I realise he wishes to see this matter solved but I stress to the Minister and all Deputies that it should be done as quickly as possible.

The immediacy of the proposed change requires urgent action. Patients who require this service are suffering enough trauma without having to wonder whether it will continue beyond 30 June.

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