Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I support my colleagues' comments on gangland killings. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is always good for a soundbite. In 2004, he described a killing as the last sting of a dying wasp, but since then we have seen 17 such killings, which is far from being the sting of a dying wasp. The Minister is good at issuing press releases and speaking in theoretical terms, but he is ineffectual in combating crime. I am seeking a debate on gangland crime and firearms offences generally because the problem has grown out of all proportion.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children should attend the House to discuss the provision of a dedicated transport service for cancer patients. Members of the House have requested such a debate on a number of previous occasions. Seriously ill people from Donegal and Waterford must travel for hours to attend hospitals in Dublin. A committee was established to examine this matter but it has not yet reported its findings. Nonetheless, another report is being sought on the issue. How many more people will have to die before we have a dedicated transport service for cancer patients? It is ridiculous that these people are not catered for in this day and age.