Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Leader on his recent announcement and wish him and his partner every success in the future. I thank him for the courage he has shown over the last five years in respect of major changes that have occurred in Irish law, namely, the referendum on marriage equality, and the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill in the sense of getting it through various public hearings. He has shown great courage since he became a Member of the Oireachtas.

I wish to raise my concern over decisions taken by the HSE in the last few weeks in respect of support services for survivors of breast cancer. I became aware last Friday morning that major changes are being proposed which would withdraw those supports from some areas of the country while helping to improve support services in areas that did not have them. I find it disturbing that when I contacted the Minister's office, and it in turn asked the HSE for clarification, the HSE responded by issuing a statement to the press outlining the changes without first corresponding with the Minister. I also find it disturbing that there was no consultation with the service providers who give the supports to the women.

These new changes were brought about without really consulting those who are dealing with breast cancer survivors every day of the week. I thank the Minister for taking on board my concerns and for telling the HSE last Friday evening that it could not go ahead with these proposed changes.

We need to have the Minister come to the House to clarify what changes are going to be made and to make sure that the services required by people who have had mastectomies and require ongoing support are protected. We must make sure there is no withdrawal of services and that they are provided in other areas of the country which do not have them at the moment. It is extremely important for these people and we should take on board their concerns as well as those of the service providers.