Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Taoiseach and all colleagues back. I want to raise the with the Taoiseach what is known as the Sligo cancer bus, which brings patients from Sligo-Leitrim and parts of County Donegal to the centre of excellence in Galway for treatment. There are two issues. First, the bus has no toilet facilities and is not wheelchair accessible. It is unacceptable for sick patients to have to travel in those conditions. A new bus is needed and it is needed now. The second issue, which is also crucial, is that it is essential that the HSE purchases the bus and obviously operates it. There seems to be some concern that HSE would like to see some voluntary groups fund-raising and perhaps accessing Clár funding to provide the bus. It is the responsibility of the HSE to ensure that the cancer service is accessible to people in the north west and I would like to get a guarantee on that.

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