I strongly welcome this motion and commend Deputy Cullinane and his team on their latest health document, Enabling a New Cancer Strategy. It confirms what many of us have long suspected, that cancer services across Ireland have been slipping. The document sets out 42 recommendations for a new strategy, recommendations that would make a difference. We all know someone who has endured a cancer diagnosis. We have seen family and friends battle this disease. From my father to so many friends and family members, it has hit us hard over the years. What we know is that early detection is vital for effective treatment, but the numbers paint a stark picture. Breast cancer targets are missed by tens of thousands every year. Some 15% of chemotherapy patients and 23% of radiotherapy patients do not start treatment on time. Some 61% of prostate cancer surgeries, 45% of breast cancer surgeries and 39% of lung cancer surgeries are not performed within the recommended timeframes. It is time that some of those in the Department did a bit of self-critique because the numbers do not lie. Patients are being failed in increasing numbers by poor management in the Minister's Department. As a result, we now have the third highest cancer mortality rate in western Europe. What is missing is a strong emphasis on prevention, early detection and proactive treatment to tackle the primary drivers of cancer. It is anticipated that cancer diagnoses will double by 2045 compared with 2015. With the European Commission so eager to import meat raised on banned cancer-linked drugs, the situation could become even more severe. In my father's case, he was quite sick and was housebound. Those who are housebound are some of the most vulnerable people. They need extra heating because they cannot move around like the rest of us. To say that I am absolutely disgusted by what has gone on here tonight is an understatement. The measly cut to home heating oil is a disgrace.

Sentiment score: -0.32