Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I note the additional funds and resources that have been allocated to address this issue. I thank the Minister of State for that. I am particularly pleased about the confirmation of the services for Donegal today because there is a substantial level of concern about the issue in the county. That is good news for the people of Donegal, for the people who represent them and for the people of Dublin. This goes back to the fact that the delayed detection of late-stage cancers will mean fewer treatment options and not very successful outcomes. This is the impact on people, in terms of their survival, and their families to which the Minister of State referred.

I ask the Government, the Department of Health and the Minister of State's officials to keep this as an issue a priority, to review the national cancer strategy, to address any further shortcomings and to monitor developments on a month-by-month basis. We must remain on the case and keep monitoring. In another few months, if there is a reduction in the figures, we need to examine that. Ultimately, I would like the Minister of State to publish a comprehensive capacity and workforce plan. It is important that we stay focused on this issue and continue to publish the figures. I thank the Minister of State for her comprehensive reply.