Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In Laois-Offaly, we almost have A Tale of Two Cities. County Laois is doing exceptionally well with a low incidence rate of Covid, while in County Offaly, there are reports of concern. We need to see the localised figures. It is not good enough just to give us figures for the county. We need to put it into context. We have had 331 cases in Offaly over 14 days, but that is out of 77,000 people. These figures being churned out create much fear and alarm. We need to give people the facts and the context. I am concerned and I know people are doing their best. Businesses are at breaking point where they have done their best to put every measure that they could in place to ensure the safety of all. The roll-out of the vaccine has been less than satisfactory. I have received a substantial volume of calls from people in Offaly who are concerned.

I am wondering if that is also a factor. Without pointing the finger at communities, perhaps the vaccine roll-out should be looked at, and how County Offaly is faring in comparison to other areas. I feel that we are faring much more poorly than many other counties and regions.

I was contacted again by a very concerned parent of an adult with CF. I have sent correspondence to the Minister's office on this issue. The adult in question has a number of other underlying conditions in addition to CF. The mother has corresponded with the HSE directly on this issue, as have I. The adult concerned has not yet received a date for his vaccination. I would appreciate it if the Minister would provide me with some information so that I can get back to my constituent.

The next point I wish to raise concerns cancer services. Professor Seamus O'Reilly stated this week that the closure of cancer services is causing untold damage to people. Can the cancer services not run during the restrictions? Professor O'Reilly, who is an oncologist, has pointed out that we are going to see very high death rates among cancer patients in the next decade. I call on the Minister and the Government to resume cancer services and do all they can for cancer patients and their families, who are going through a dreadful time. We need to focus on other health issues aside from Covid. We cannot let everything else go to wrack and ruin. Lives must not be lost unnecessarily. I ask the Minister to do more in respect of services for cancer patients.

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