Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I second the amendment proposed by Senator McGreehan that No. 11 be taken before No. 1.

The Irish Cancer Society's national Daffodil Day takes place this Friday, 22 March. A total of 99% of the funds it raises every year is through voluntary contributions. I thank the Irish people for their continued generosity in that regard. Some of the statistics relating to cancer are quite frightening. Every three minutes, someone in this country is told that he or she has cancer. That equates to roughly 40,000 people per year. It is devastating news for individuals and their families to get. Thankfully, the good news is that 80% of those diagnosed with stage 1 cancer make a full recovery. It is important to say that. It is also important that people get themselves checked on a regular basis.

The work being done by the Irish Cancer Society is truly magnificent. Those involved are true heroes, as are those involved with other voluntary support groups like Crocus, which operates in my area of Monaghan and Cavan. The Irish Cancer Society provides many services, one of which is ten free night nurse sessions in an end-of-life programme. The people who do that work are true heroes. Likewise, are the people who volunteer to drive vehicles in order to help people who have been diagnosed with cancer and who need treatment. These people volunteer their time free of charge to drive people to and from clinics to get treatment and they too deserve great credit.

It is timely that we would have a debate on the Government's response to those people who have been diagnosed with cancer and their families. I feel that much more could be done because a great deal of extra expense is put upon those people without warning. I would be grateful if the Leader could organise that. This Friday, I ask that the Irish public would do as it always does on national Daffodil Day and give as generously as they possibly can.