Mayo TD appeals for 'ending financial punishment of cancer survivors'

Mayo TD Paul Lawless has strongly welcomed the Central Bank (Amendment) Bill, describing it as a crucial step in ending financial discrimination against cancer survivors.

Speaking in the Dáil Deputy Lawless said the bill which gives survivors the right to be forgotten when applying for mortgages and other financial services was long overdue.

“For years the State has punished cancer survivors twice, first through delayed diagnosis and treatment and then by locking them out of home ownership and financial security.

This bill begins to correct that injustice and Aontú supports it completely,” he stated.

Deputy Lawless highlighted a recent Irish Cancer Society report showing that five out of six national targets are being missed.

He also raised concerns about shocking gaps in the public system, including the lack of PET scanners in major hospitals and outdated radiotherapy equipment.

“Radiotherapy equipment with a lifespan of ten years is still in operation after 17 years. This has a significant impact in terms of servicing which then knocks these machines out of action.

"There are no PET scanners in public hospitals in Galway, Limerick and Waterford, which is hard to believe in this day and age.

“We also know through figures released to Aontú that breast cancer survival rates are at 81% in the public system compared to 93% in the private sector.

"The postcode lottery in cancer care must end. A person’s chance of surviving cancer shouldn’t depend on where they live or whether they can afford to go through the private system.”

Lawless welcomed the bill and continued to urge the government to ensure that there is robust cancer care and treatment across the country.

“This bill is a step in the right direction but there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to ensure cancer patients receive the highest standards of care,” he added.