Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

I am happy that there will be a debate this evening on the recent incidents in international waters involving the over-reaction of the Israeli forces. I do not propose to pre-empt that debate or rehash what has already been said here. It is noteworthy, however, that one of the Irish people awaiting trial in Israel is Fiachra Ó Luain who was a candidate in last year's European Parliament elections. He acquitted himself creditably while canvassing in the west constituency. With Senator Paschal Mooney, I met Mr. Ó Luain in a number of local radio stations across the area. He performed well and was committed to the democratic process. He is an idealist and his current predicament is worthy of recording in this House.

I want to raise another issue. Every family's nightmare is that one of their relatives will be diagnosed with cancer. For that reason, it was disturbing to read a report in a newspaper stating:

Cancer patients are having their treatments delayed and in some cases are dying because of hospital-acquired infections, the Royal College of Physicians in Ireland (RCPI) said yesterday. Consultant medical oncologist Prof Peter Daly said at least one in 10 patients receiving intensive chemotherapy was likely to contract a healthcare-associated infection.

Infections are rampant in hospitals and infecting cancer patients. The report quoted Professor Hilary Humphreys as saying up to 10% of patients were getting such infections. I suggest single rooms should be made available in hospitals for cancer patients, especially those with blood cancers who have a particularly high risk of infection. While this issue might affect a minority of people, it is extraordinarily serious for the families concerned. I want the Leader to react to my comments and bring this matter to the attention of the Minister for Health and Children immediately. If possible, it should be the subject of a debate in this House. At a minimum, the Minister should be asked to react to it at once.