Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support this important motion on cancer care and welcome the opportunity to contribute this evening. An estimated 42,000 people in Ireland are diagnosed with cancer each year. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the fantastic work done locally, day in, day out, by the West Clare Cancer Centre. Last year, Ireland was found to have the third highest cancer mortality in western Europe by the European Cancer Inequalities Registry and was ranked 13th out of the EU 27 in cancer survival. Shockingly, the current national cancer strategy launched seven years ago has only twice received annual funding towards its implementation in the lifetime of this Government. Even more alarmingly, in the past two budgets, no new development funding was granted. At last week's meeting of the health committee, Ms Averil Power, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, outlined several unmet targets in the current strategy, which is clearly due to a sustained lack of funding, and identified areas where Ireland is incredulously going backwards. That is deeply concerning. How is that the case when we know investment in cancer services works and not only saves lives but saves the State in the long run? It is imperative that the Government ensures properly resourced cancer services with protected pathways that are not disrupted by the many other pressures on the health service.

I also want to take this opportunity to raise a serious matter brought to my attention by Tina. Tina was diagnosed with breast cancer 11 years ago. On Friday, she went to get her mastectomy bra, as she has always done. However, to her horror, this time she was told she must now provide proof of having breast cancer. Both Tina and a staff member were incredibly upset by this situation. The staff member is clearly familiar with Tina. It was completely unnecessary and wholly embarrassing. Tina reacted while she was speaking to me on the phone, asked, "Should I take a picture of my boob? Would that be enough proof?" It is a disgrace that she felt that way. Will the Minister of State look into this matter? It is causing major distress and pure resentment towards this Government. Tina was told that others have had to get a letter from a GP. Will the Minister of State bear in mind that patients will have to pay for this letter from their GP? Many in County Clare face serious issues with access to a GP.

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