Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending an event organised by the Irish Cancer Society in Monaghan town. It related to regional awareness of the disease itself but was mainly based around national daffodil day, which is on 22 March. I found it very informative, interesting and, in many ways, harrowing. It was very well attended by many volunteers from counties Monaghan and Cavan. Some of the statistics are quite frightening but it is important that we are aware of them. I learned last night that every three minutes, someone in this country is told that he or she has cancer. This equates to roughly 40,000 people every year. It is maintained that by 2020, one in two people will get a diagnosis of cancer in his or her lifetime. The good news is that 80% of those diagnosed with stage 1 cancer survive. We all aware of the ongoing campaigns regarding education around prevention and how people can do more to prevent getting cancer through diet and exercise. I do not think everyone is aware of the service provided by the Irish Cancer Society. We heard last night from a night nurse who attends people with the disease through an end-of-life programme. It is important that people know that up to ten free night nurse sessions can be provided by the Irish Cancer Society. We also heard a presentation from the volunteer drivers. Apparently, there are many volunteer drivers throughout the country and they deserve great credit for the work they do. They can transport someone diagnosed with cancer to a clinic in any part of the country. It is important that people know that this is also free of charge. The reason I mention this is because March is just around the corner. Again, the Irish Cancer Society will be looking for additional funds to keep this service going. A total of 99% of the funds it raises every year is through voluntary contributions. I acknowledge the generosity of the many Irish people who contribute and encourage more people to do so. From a Government perspective, I would like more energy to be put into information and education for people in order that they can take as many steps as possible to prevent them getting this disease in the first place. Perhaps the Government could invest more in this area.