There is a postcode lottery when it comes to cancer care in this State. Cancer patients in the west face the longest wait times between diagnosis and commencement of treatment. I draw the Tánaiste’s attention to the fact that no PET scanner is operating in the public system in Galway or in the wider western region. This imaging technology is vital for cancer diagnosis and monitoring. Patients are currently being forced to travel long distances to access these scans or are being referred to private operators at a significant cost to the State.

When I raised this with the Minister for Health and subsequently the HSE, I was informed it would be 2033 before a PET scanner and additional CT scanners would be provided for University Hospital Galway. This means the status quo will continue for a number of years where cancer patients will not be able to access critical medical imaging in UHG. This is simply not good enough. I am asking the Tánaiste to intervene to expedite the delivery of this critical infrastructure for the west and to ensure there is equality of care for cancer patients across the State.

I will speak directly to the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill on this matter. We have made good progress on cancer care and cancer treatment in recent years in this country and it is important we build on that. We have a national cancer strategy. We are increasing our capital investment in health as well. I will try to understand the rationale around those timelines and whether there is anything that can be done to expedite them. I will ask the Minister to come back to the Deputy.

While we are on the issue of cancer, I missed the opportunity yesterday but I also welcome Deputy Boyd Barrett back to this House. Many people right across the country were inspired by his interview this week. I know it has been an extraordinarily difficult time for him. He might not believe it, but we missed him in this House.