Brendan Kenneally (Fianna Fail)

Would it be possible to have a debate on the provision of cancer care throughout the country? Within the past week or so one of the consultant oncologists in the southern region of the Health Service Executive resigned. This leaves only one oncologist in that area. It is ironic that the remaining person was previously in Waterford, in the former South Eastern Health Board area, and is now in a worse situation.

These people left their posts because of the under-resourcing of the service. It is estimated that in the next ten to 15 years there will be a 40% increase in the incidence of cancer. The radiotherapy service problem in Waterford continues. It would be appropriate to have a debate about cancer care services.