Thirty years ago my mam was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. At that time, she went to her GP with a lump on her neck. She was told it was a cyst. She went back again and was dismissed again. It was only on the third consultation that she was referred for cancer screening. Had the cancer been detected in the first instance, my mam's journey would have looked very different. I commend Professor John Crown, who kept her alive for as long as he did. Fast-forward 30 years and we still have endemic delays. In County Kildare, 951 people are diagnosed with cancer every year. Many of those people face difficulties accessing timely diagnosis and treatment, which negatively impacts their health outcomes. A constituent of mine, Áine, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma last year, just three months before her leaving certificate. I am thankful that she has made a great recovery, having received great care in Tallaght hospital. Áine has highlighted the significant delays to her chemotherapy caused by PET scan waiting times. At the moment, our equipment density is too low and equipment is out-of-date and underutilised. She was told she was lucky to receive chemotherapy when she did because there was just one space left in Tallaght at the time. Another shocking element of Áine's story is that she had to sleep in a ward of six beds with patients with various illnesses. This was extremely dangerous as her immune system was suppressed by medication. In Kildare, we need beds for cancer patients at Naas General Hospital. At the moment, many are forced to travel. Long-term planning is essential. There will be an increase of 100% in the number of cancer diagnoses by 2045 compared to the number in 2015 so investment in infrastructure and new developments must be a priority. We all have a personal story. Tá scéal pearsanta againn go léir sa Teach seo a bhaineann le hailse. Tuigimid ar fad cé chomh dáiríre agus chomh tábhachtach atá an cheist seo. Mar sin, oibrímis le chéile chun cúram ailse den chéad scoth a bhaint amach in Éirinn.

Sentiment score: -0.12