Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I refer to cancer services. Cancer Week 2017 runs from 25 September until 1 October. Since 1996, when the first cancer strategy was launched, Ireland has prided itself on providing a world-class cancer service which adheres to international guidelines and best practice. However, we are hearing reports of a deterioration in the service, with delays in the commencement of chemotherapy programmes, at a time when we know that time is of the essence for oncology patients. I have also learned of shortages of radiographers in St. James's Hospital which are resulting in surveillance scans such as MRI or PET scans to monitor the progression of cancer patients not being performed. The scans were previously conducted on cancer patients on a quarterly basis to determine whether their treatment was working and whether they should continue with their chemotherapy programmes. As such programmes are very tough on the body, this situation is both infuriating and stressful for families. Many of the issues arise from staff shortages in the public sector, a matter I have raised in the House previously. There are staff shortages in the armed forces, mental health services and so on. The Public Sector Pay Commission recommended that an expert be appointed to address the shortages, but, to date, no one has been put in place and no solutions have been offered to the problem of staff shortages in the public sector. Will the Leader ask the Minister of Health why this has not happened and to clarify whether targets for cancer patients are being met.

Another issue which comes up time and again is the unfair income thresholds for receipt of the fuel allowance. Many constituents presented at my office during the summer who were above the threshold by as little as €1 or €2. Some suffer from health issues such as COPD or emphysema. The home of one man is not insulated. He suffers from COPD and can barely breathe during the winter because of the cold. As he is above the income threshold by €6, he is not entitled to receive the fuel allowance or any of the ancillary benefits that accrue to those in receipt of it, including the opportunity in some areas to have one's home insulated. The weather is turning and, given increases in the price of fuel and electricity, I ask the Minister for Finance to consider increasing the threshold for receipt of the fuel allowance or inserting into the legislation a special stipulation in order that the Department can exercise discretion in certain circumstances.