One in two people in our country will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime. This is a stark but factual figure. Every one of us in this House, unfortunately, knows someone who has had this awful disease or has died from it, including my own father. I am sure the Minister of State agrees there is a chance to change things with a new cancer strategy, as outlined by our spokesperson on health, Deputy Cullinane. We can put in place a world-class cancer service with properly ring-fenced and sustainable funding on an annual basis, doing away with the unfair postcode lottery to access cancer services. Early diagnosis and early treatment give each person hope and a far better chance of survival and recovery. However, recently released data paints a startling picture: 41% of breast cancer surgeries and 61% of prostate surgeries are not happening within the recommended timeframe. This includes 20% of radiography and 50% of chemotherapy patients who do not start treatment in time. Will the Minister work with us and take on board Sinn Féin's key recommendations in the recently published cancer strategy report by Deputy Cullinane? Cancer has no politics and no boundaries but it can be beaten by putting in place a resilient and robust cancer service for all. The postcode lottery system must be done away with, as must the inequality in the system. Most of all, the wonderful staff who treat our loved ones through the toughest of times deserve a system that fully supports them by providing up-to-date equipment, staff supports and proper capacity. I ask all TDs to support the motion.

Sentiment score: -0.19