Phil Prendergast (Labour)

I speak to amendment No. 2 in the name of the Labour Party that the HSE "may not dispose of any land (including buildings) vested in it by this section and must continue to use the land (including buildings) vested in it by this section for medical purposes related to the treatment of cancer in public patients in a manner and form determined by the Executive with the consent of the Minister". Like other Senators on all sides of the House, I have received communications from many people who have themselves, following a diagnosis of cancer, received treatment at this centre of excellence in Rathgar or a family member or close acquaintance. There are so many clichés about St. Luke's Hospital and its surroundings being such a unique gem in the provision of such excellent care.

As someone who has worked in a hospital setting, I know that when people are disagnosed with cancer, it is very difficult for them if the other patients in the ward have not received the same diagnosis. Their psychological, medical and treatment needs are different and often they are very sick. Having a centre dedicated to the treatment of such patients allows staff to become expert in providing treatment. Many people took great comfort from the staff and, in particular, the surroundings. Time and again people were delighted with such surroundings in a centre of excellence, if that was possible when diagnosed with cancer. Each e-mail we received was different and detailed either a personal story or that of a close family member. The nub of the matter is that the HSE is always seen in a negative way but we have an opportunity to keep something truly wonderful.