Cancer patients' flights at risk but not ministers' trips on Government jet

Senator Pearse Doherty

THE possible axing of subsidised flights for cancer patients from Donegal to Dublin to save money has been contrasted by Donegal Sinn Féin Senator Pearse Doherty with the cost of what ministers spend in flying around the country in the Government jet.

Senator Doherty has called on Letterkenny General Hospital to give assurances that local cancer patients will continue to get subsidised flights to Dublin to receive treatment.

I am appalled to learn that the withdrawal of the subsidy which allows cancer care patients to fly to Dublin from Donegal Airport for €30 is even being considered.
The removal of this subsidy would cause undue stress for these families at an extremely difficult time.
Letterkenny General Hospital must make their intentions on this issue clear immediately.
This service costs €30,000 a year and provides a service for around 250 patients in Donegal. This is in stark contrast to the cost the taxpayer stumps up for a single trip to Donegal for a minister on the Government jet.

Senator Doherty also praised the work of Mary McGinley and the North West Cancer Group Family and Patient Fund who have worked tirelessly to raise money for the family members of cancer patients so that they can also travel to the hospital during treatment.

Mary McGinley and the North-West Cancer Group Family and Patient Fund have provided a fantastic service to cancer patients in this area and should be supported in every way by the HSE. This invaluable service should and must continue.