Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party) | Oireachtas source

Everyone in the Dáil has someone close to them suffer from cancer at one stage or another. As I stand here, I express my heartfelt thanks to the Irish Cancer Society and to all who work and care for those suffering from cancer. This coming Friday is daffodil day and I hope people come out to support the cancer society in whatever way they can.

A cancer diagnosis turns people's lives upside down. Their daily routines change completely. They cannot work and they still have bills, childcare and mortgages to pay. The least we can do in this State is ensure that anyone diagnosed with cancer receives a medical card. On behalf of those who suffer from cancer, Independent Ireland is once again calling for an automatic medical card to be issued to all cancer patients for the duration of their treatment. Will the Taoiseach support this proposal?

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