Around the Houses...
The Celt checks in on Dáil Éireann and the Seanad and the issues raised.
'One in two' people will get cancer. The Dáil was discussing quality of services.
One in two people will get cancer in their lifetime in Ireland and one in three people will die from it. Ireland has the second highest incidence rate of cancer diagnosis in the EU.
As the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 is due to end this year, the Dáil was discussing the necessity of assessing the services and ensuring the quality of care is maintained.
The members of the Dáil heard statistics cited from healthcare officials and the European Commission, stating that Ireland has the second-highest rate of new cancer diagnoses in the EU, with cancer mortality higher than the EU average despite significant improvements. While survival rates for major cancers are near the EU average, Ireland faces diagnostic bottlenecks, including a lower supply of MRI and CT scanners compared to the EU.
Several Dáil members demanded the “postcode lottery” of access of care to end. Deputy David Cullinane (SF) highlighted County Cavan: “We know we have a shortage of radiographers and radiation therapists but we also have a shortage of surgeons in some hospitals which is why we are seeing a postcode lottery. For example, in Cavan, people are waiting much longer for chemotherapy than they are in other areas.”
Across the party lines, Dáil members supported Deputy Cullinane’s motion asking the new Cancer Strategy to guarantee timely access to cancer diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and follow up care and calling the government to commit to more substantial funding for staff, equipment, research and awareness.
Minister Niamh Smyth said: “I recognise there can sometimes be delays in getting cancer treatment for some patients... Where hospitals are challenged to meet service targets, they typically respond with a mix of local improvement plans, additional clinics, outsourcing of diagnostics and reviewing patient pathways where needed.”
She assured that the “new budget approach will build on the success of the national cancer strategy, which has, over the years, fostered a culture of improvement and innovation, as seen through the development of pioneering services.”
ASKED AND ANSWERED
Accommodation Recognition Payment Deputy Matt Carthy (SF): “The accommodation recognition payment (ARP) was introduced as a payment for people who housed Ukrainians in their own homes after the Russian invasion. However, it has morphed into something very different. It is uniquely a tax-free payment to landlords who can then get top-up payments that are completely unregulated. "Uniquely, the landlord is completely exempt from all the rules that would apply for any other tenant. (...) The ARP distorts the rental sector. Sinn Féin is moving an amendment that would resolve the deficiencies in this scheme.”
Jim O’Callaghan, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration: “42,000 beneficiaries of temporary protection are still being accommodated in connection with the ARP. As has been indicated, we are now going to extend the scheme until 2027, subject to the approval of the House. We will also be discussing with colleagues the proposed further reduction of the payment back to its original statutory limit of €400...
"We will not be supporting the Sinn Féin amendment. It is interesting that Sinn Féin has very much sought to rely upon the impact the scheme has had on the rental sector. While I know they are tax-free, when you look at the payments involved and the location of the units, the properties provided pursuant to the ARP have predominantly been properties that had not previously been used in the residential tenancies market.”
ASKED AND ANSWERED
Green Diesel Deputy Brendan Smith (FF): “The significant increase in fuel costs is a cause of great anxiety and concern for farmers and agri contractors. Three weeks ago, green diesel cost 96 cent per litre. Today, it costs at least 163 cent per litre, which is an increase of upwards of 70%. The excise rate of green diesel needs to be revisited quickly.
"The silage season is less than two months away. We know that with present prices, the cost of making silage would increase substantially, impacting farmers and agri contractors... For the consumer, food prices will also go up. In his role as Minister for Finance, I ask the Tánaiste to revisit this as a matter of urgency.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris: “I would make the point that there are limitations on what it is legally possible to do to excise duty. This week, the Government took measures on excise duty, fuel allowance and the diesel rebate. Some members of the Opposition are asking me to reduce the non-carbon excise element of home heating oil, which does not exist. I cannot do that.”