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

I thank the Social Democrats for tabling this excellent motion, which deserves all our support - 100%. I thank the Irish Cancer Society for the excellent work it has been doing. I thank all the Kerry branches of the society, including in Kenmare and the excellent group in Killarney. One of my close friends, Eugene O'Sullivan, has worked so hard. I thank other people like Brendan Ferris in Beaufort, who organises the Threshing Cancer event every year. It was affected by Covid in the past couple of years but, hopefully, it will be back again. I thank people like Jay Galvin and all those who operate the Kerry link bus. It is so important for carrying cancer patients to Cork.

This vital service is run on the basis of volunteerism and fundraising. It is such an important service to provide. I wish to thank the drivers, the helpers and everybody involved in the Kerry link bus service. I could not praise it enough if I lived forever.

I must say that whether you are in Ballinskelligs, Ballyferriter, Ballyduff or Ballsbrige, if you get the diagnosis of cancer, you should have excellent treatment. You should be taken care of at a centre of excellence and have the best of what is available in order to get the most positive outcome.

I thank our doctors, nurses and other specialists who deal with cancer patients on a daily basis. I humbly mean that. When it comes to us as legislators supporting people who have cancer, we must ensure that the simple things, including adequate healthcare, are provided. Last week, I asked the Taoiseach to give people who have a diagnosis of cancer and automatic right to medical cards for a period of three months in order to let them started with their medical treatment. There are also issues with car parking charges. Of course, any person who is parking a car while they go into hospital to get cancer treatment should not have to pay for it. This is not a luxury; it is an absolute necessity. I thank everybody who is involved in caring for people who have cancer.

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