Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her reply. I do not think anybody blames her or the Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, for the decision that was taken which completely blindsided him as head of the health service and everybody around the country. I was very heartened by his robust reaction when he was challenged and it was put to him. It has been reassuring for breast cancer survivors and those dealing with the fallout.

I have been lobbied by a group in Limerick and can only speak for my part of the country, as Deputy Tom Neville can. About 200 clients attend the breast cancer clinic at University Hospital Limerick. They have formed a group and will be seeking to meet the Minister shortly. The Minister of State might convey that message to him. They would like him to hear about their experiences and how these supports are critical. Part of what came out in the past few days through a discussion on our local radio station, Limerick's Live 95FM, was that women would need ongoing support after a mastectomy. The policy was to provide initial support and leave women on their own after that. That is not acceptable. I ask the Minister of State to impress on the Minister the need to clear up the anomaly. Will it be just medical card holders or will non-medical card holders be able to avail of the supports available on an equal basis? We obviously need to standardise the service across the country. Will those engaged in the consultation process please consult the survivors of breast cancer? Will the Minister of State tell the Minister that there will be a communication on its way to him shortly requesting him to meet a group which represents breast cancer survivors?

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