Aontú Leader & Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín has stressed the importance of early diagnosis and treatment on World Cancer Day today

Aontú Leader & Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín has stressed the importance of early diagnosis and treatment on World Cancer Day today.

An Teachta Tóibín:

“As someone who has cancer challenge in the last year there is an added personal importance to World Cancer Day. I am blessed to have had timely treatments from the Irish Health Service. My thoughts today are on the many others for whom sadly Cancer is a life-changing and a cruel disease”.

“It is vital on this World Cancer Day we put an emphasis on early diagnosis and treatment. That is why it is so important, we ensure our cancer screening and treatment services remain open and we expand services to ensure no man, woman or child is detrimented due to the disruption and delay in cancer screenings and treatment. An oncologist from Limerick Hospital has gone on the record today in stating that as a result of Covid-19 disruptions, he has seen more advanced cases of cancer since last year. There are also worrying statistics that indicate the damaged faith of the Irish people in our cancer services. Nearly half believe they will not get latest cancer treatments till after patients in other European countries. Whilst, one in four believe standards of care are worse than in Europe. We need to mend that broken trust and restore faith in our cancer services.”

“Also, on World Cancer Day, I am thinking of the women wronged by the State involving their cervical smears. Yesterday, we heard the heart-breaking story of Lynsey Bennett who was forced to sue the state and fight for compensation despite the state being in the wrong. I am thinking of Vicky Phelan over in America trying to get treatment to right the wrongs of the Irish State. I am thinking of Ruth Morrisey, Patricia Carrick, Emma Mhic Mhathúna and all the other women who are no longer with us following the Cervical Check Scandal. I am thinking of the more than 200 women who are still being taken to court by the State. My thoughts and prayers are with them all.”

“The best thing that can be done this day, on World Cancer Day, is to ensure there is no delay or disruption in men, women or children getting a cancer diagnosis. The best thing we can do is make sure no more women have to suffer and go to court over the Cervical Check Scandal. The best thing we can do, is meet the scourge of Cancer with the fullest of our resources, the best of our abilities and the entirety of our compassions.”

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.