Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to thank the Social Democrats and all the Deputies who have contributed to this debate on the financial challenges facing those diagnosed with cancer.

I am not unique or different to Deputy Connolly or anyone else in this House. We all understand the traumatic events that ensue when a family member is ill. Therefore, I am not unique in this experience. The sad case referred to by Deputy Danny Healy-Rae, where two members of one family were struck by cancer within a short time, must also be recognised. I acknowledge a former colleague of mine as well, former Deputy Noel Treacy, who passed away this morning from cancer.

I am taking this motion on behalf of the Minister for Health, so I will keep to the script from the Department, because I get in the most trouble when I do not.

See this speech in context