Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in this country and worldwide, killing more people than breast cancer, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer combined. I welcome a new initiative, a pilot scheme being undertaken by a number of GPs in north County Dublin and the Beaumont RCSI cancer treatment centre, which received over €4.9 million in funding from the Irish Cancer Society.

The purpose of this screening programme is to identify at an early stage the signs of lung cancer so that treatment can be given at an early stage and more effective outcomes can happen as a result. By offering this lung check to people at higher risk, the chances of survival are much improved, naturally, and it happens in a more effective and cost-effective manner, allowing patients to receive curative treatment, rather than facing more complex and life-limiting options at a later stage.

In my opinion, this initiative should be rolled out countrywide. I would welcome it if the Minister for Health would come to the House to discuss how we can roll out this initiative throughout the country. As everyone knows, early detection saves lives. It means less invasive treatment, faster recovery and a better chance of a long-term cure. I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Health to the House to discuss rolling out this very worthwhile initiative at a national level.