Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

I have heard the views expressed from the Opposition benches and the Government benches and this is a difficult debate to listen to. I come from the north west of the country where the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney, and the HSE have behaved very irresponsibly regarding the health care needs of the community I represent. I say this because this is a life and death issue.

A Senator on the Opposition benches mentioned a friend who moved to Dublin and was sent a BreastCheck application in the post. Such a facility is unimaginable to women in Donegal and those who travelled to areas where BreastCheck was available were refused the service. In the meantime, people are dying and that is why I used the language I used in this House, although it is regrettable that it is necessary. People are dying because cancers are going undetected.

In 2005, the Minister announced the radiation plan and, as part of it, she mentioned North-South co-operation on a satellite radiotherapy centre for the north west. Two years have passed and there has been no progress. Since the establishment of the Northern Assembly, I do not believe that the Minister has met the Northern Health Minister, Mr. Michael McGimpsey, to discuss the issue, yet time and again, Deputies and Ministers assure us it is in the pipeline. Senator Ó Domhnaill mentioned the people of Donegal and 15,000 took to the streets, and they demand action on cancer care facilities for the north west. These facilities include a satellite radiotherapy centre, the immediate roll-out of BreastCheck services and assistance for patients who must travel to centres of excellence.

I would like to hear the Minister address this issue and can assure her I will pursue it until there is a satisfactory resolution.