Gabrielle McFadden (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The report of National Cancer Registry Ireland came out this morning. While the figures are, in some respects, very frightening for what we can expect in the future, it has to be said that things have improved and survival rates are improving all the time. Prevention is better than cure and people should always focus on that initially. The Irish Cancer Society said that, as a result of the report, it is now very important to look to the future and that the Government invests in cancer services so that people are diagnosed early and treated quickly.

I met a person who was to have surgery today but it was cancelled yesterday at the last minute.This lady faces an arduous road for the next period of between six and 12 months. She psyched herself up and made arrangements for her four children to be cared for during the surgery and so on, but now it has been postponed. She is distraught. As well as the physical hardships that people face when they are being treated for cancer, the patient must undergo emotional and psychological hardship and trauma. This must also be considered, given that it is about not just beds and consultants but also people's feelings and emotions.

Perhaps the Minister could come to the House in order that we can have a debate on the future and planning. We speak about Project Ireland 2040 and planning for the future, but we should include in the plan cancer services for the future. Will the Leader invite the Minister for such a debate?