I have been requested by people working in oncology to ask the Tánaiste about the oncology service. This is a critical health service which is caught in a storm between Covid and the aftershocks of the ransomware attack. A number of oncologists are really worried about where matters stand in the context of cancer services and the long-term impact of people not being diagnosed, the lack of screening, etc. The head of cancer care in my local hospital, University Hospital Limerick, Dr. Denis O’Keeffe, has stated that he is afraid many people will fall through the cracks because of this combination of issues. On behalf of all of the people who are suffering with cancer and those who have not yet been diagnosed, I ask whether there will be a targeted plan to deal with issues of cancer care throughout the country. In particular, will there be a catch-up service in the context of cancer screening, diagnostics and surgery?

I am worried about this matter too. Based on what I have been told and my own assessment, the cyberattack has had a greater impact on cancer treatment and care than the pandemic did. Cancer care was largely maintained throughout the pandemic but the cyberattack has really disrupted it. Cancer services, radiology, diagnostic services and radio-oncology are being prioritised for restoration. There will need to be a catch-up plan to make sure that we undo a lot of the damage that has been done as a consequence of the cyberattack.