Victor Boyhan (Independent)

I will follow on from what Senator Wilson said because I was in the audiovisual room as well. I thank the representatives of Pancreatic Cancer Ireland and Senator Mark Duffy, who hosted today's event. We heard some very harrowing stories about personal experiences. We are now almost at the end of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026.It is timely because before we engage on a new strategy, we need to do an analysis of the outgoing strategy, from 2017 to 2026, which ends next year. I ask that the Leader, in the near future, invite the Minister for Health to the House to discuss specifically the cancer strategy.

We heard clearly today that people can get an early diagnosis with pancreatic cancer but, because there is a lack of a rapid pathway for diagnostics and treatment, their lives are cut terribly short. As we heard today in the evidence, people are now presenting in their 30s and 40s, and many are dying. Cancer is a horrific illness which affects the entire family. It is an emotional drain on people. Today, we had a call from Pancreatic Cancer Ireland on this, the national designated day for pancreatic cancer. We have to respond because too often, we go into the audiovisual room or into briefings and hear a lot of talk. There is a lot of noise in politics. The association has made a request of us today and we need to respond. The most positive response we can make is to have a discussion on pancreatic cancer in the context of the bigger national strategy for cancer. I hope this happens soon. I intend, as I hope others do too, to fill these galleries with people who experienced cancer. It will be a much more impactful debate if people who have walked the journey and suffered are in with us for the dialogue. I ask that this now become a priority and secure support across these Houses, which I have no doubt will be the case.