Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the report published yesterday on women and ovarian cancer. The report found that many women are presenting very late in the day in terms of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Somewhere between 300 and 400 people are coming forward very late. It is quite frightening to read of such high numbers and the fact that the prognosis for these people is unclear.If people are feeling unwell or have any symptoms, they should come forward regardless of the circumstances.

I am known around here for raising the issue of University Hospital Limerick. In the past month, there were 1,500 people on waiting lists for beds there. There is also a fear that, given that people are waiting on beds and are not able to get into hospital, others are falling behind in terms of the diagnosis of serious conditions because so many have had their procedures or appointments cancelled due to the crisis in the hospital. We need to encourage people to come forward if they are not feeling well. That is something we need to support. More resources need to be provided to deal with serious conditions.