Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to get the opportunity to contribute. I thank Sinn Féin for bringing this very important topic to the floor of the Dáil, which gives us a chance to debate this very important issue. Cancer screening is so important and the fact that it was delayed or cancelled for so long means that there are people lining up for services. I understand it is the people who already have cancer who are being screened but we know the story. There is stage 1, stage 2, stage 3 and stage 4, and when a person arrives at stage 4, it is too late.

CervicalCheck is so important. As that has been cancelled also, there is an overloading in the system and a serious number of women who need attention. I am glad it is the Minister of State who is on the opposite side of the House because I know there is humanity in her as a result of the way she fought for the unborn child, like myself and others. I know that she is listening to me. I appeal to her and the HSE, with which she is involved, to ensure that everything is done for these people.

A cancer diagnosis can happen suddenly. I had a lady on to me yesterday looking for a medical card. She was only diagnosed yesterday. She was working last week and she went for a check. The result came back yesterday that she had cancer and would have to go for treatment and possibly an operation. She said, "Danny, I feel fine but this is what has turned up." If she had not been diagnosed she would have been working away and the cancer would have gone too far before anything could have been done to treat it.

Regarding medical cards, an emergency medical card can be had if the GP completes the special form he has. Many of them do not even know they have that facility and complete the ordinary medical card form. However, if the doctor completes the emergency medical card form, the person will get the card in a couple of days. That is very important and it needs to be given to people.

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