8. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet committee on health will next meet. [69863/25]

Sentiment score: 0.00

A new stand-alone oncology unit for University Hospital Kerry is vital for all cancer patients and their families in Kerry. I impress upon the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health the urgent requirement to have a stand-alone oncology-haematology unit on the grounds of UHK to provide Kerry patients with the dignity, privacy and comfort they deserve during one of the most challenging periods of their lives. The Comfort for Chemo Kerry committee, a wonderful organisation, has already raised over €1.5 million in funds, and a site has been designated for the purpose within the UHK campus. This project is extremely important for Kerry, and I am anxious that it proceed as soon as possible. The delays only mean an escalation in costs for an already costly undertaking. This vital project would lessen the need for many Kerry patients to travel to hospitals in Cork, Limerick, Dublin and abroad for cancer treatments, many in multiple trips. The temporary oncology unit in UHK could not cope with the more than 5,000 patients treated there last year. I pay tribute to my great and loyal friend, and director of elections, Brian Sugrue, a wonderful human being, who passed away this morning, in the early hours, after a long battle with illness. Brian had a very special and personal interest in this project. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife Maureen, his son John, his daughter Eva and the extended Sugrue and Foley families. I commit to pursuing a new oncology unit for the people of Kerry in Brian's memory.

Sentiment score: 0.28