Teresa Costello
Agricultural Panel · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“For example, in Tallaght, Firhouse and Ballyroan, people are telling me that the road and junction narrowing has led to increased congestion, longer journey times and frustration on the part of motorists, while also making it more difficult for buses, delivery vehicles and larger vehicles to navigate safely.”
“Likewise, long-acting reversible contraception such as implants and intrauterine devices will continue to be provided through appropriately trained medical professionals. These safeguards ensure that patient safety remains at the heart of this new service. The legislation represents good use of public resources.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here today. Over the past few years and during my time as a councillor, there have been many changes to the roads in my area. It led me to ask the Minister to undertake a comprehensive review of the design manual for urban roads and streets, commonly known as DMURS.”
“I am not the first to raise this and I will not be the last but I am constantly receiving reports - one as recently as this morning - about the huge number of dumped nitrous oxide canisters in the community. If there is a car park that does not have a gate on it is left full of these. I have had to clear up car parks with people.”
“While I acknowledge the council's position, many local people's lived experience has been different from what has been said about DMURS. We are seeing queues building up at peak times, greater difficulty accessing side roads and a road network that is becoming less efficient for everyone who depends on it.”
“I looked at one particular junction where cars were constantly overshooting white lines. It was very confusing and difficult for motorists. The proposed removal of village car parking under DMURS creates significant challenges.”
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“Under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014, local authorities and AHBs can issue tenancy warnings, seek possession orders where breaches continue and apply for excluding orders that can remove offenders. While these are significant powers, it is not clear how consistently they are used, how effective they are and what oversight is in place across both local authorities and AHBs. In my constituency, South Dublin County Council operates a detailed antisocial behaviour strategy. It sets out prevention, mediation and enforcement. The council has systems for complaints, timelines for investigation, multiagency co-operation and the option to apply for excluding orders. Yet, the volume of complaints remains high.”
“I thank the Minister of State for being here and taking this matter. This issue concerns the need for the Department of housing to set out what mechanisms are available to local authorities and approved housing bodies, AHBs, when dealing with repeated breaches of tenancy, particularly concerning antisocial behaviour that affects neighbouring tenants. Across the State, but noticeably in areas that I represent, tenants are reporting ongoing issues of antisocial behaviour. These are not isolated instances but repeated patterns that undermine community safety and the right of residents to live in peace. The tools to deal with antisocial behaviour exist in legislation.”
“What makes this event so special is the team behind it, a dedicated group of volunteers who pour their time, energy and love into ensuring this night is a success. Their commitment is inspiring and I wish to express my deepest gratitude for everything they do. For me, this awards night is always a highlight of the year. It reminds us why Tallaght is such a remarkable place. Every nominee receives a beautiful certificate and while only a few are selected as category winners, the truth is that every single nominee is already a winner. Each one has given selflessly, generously and wholeheartedly to making Tallaght stronger, kinder and more connected.”
“That person receives the chain of office and carries the honour of being an ambassador for Tallaght for the year ahead, a role that truly represents the spirit and pride of this community. I thank last year's winner, Glenda Murphy Smullen, on being a fantastic ambassador. She did Tallaght so proud. I congratulate this year's winner, Emer Lamon, who is a member of An Garda Síochána based in Tallaght. She works tirelessly for Little Blue Heroes, a fantastic charity that supports families of children with serious illness. It provides financial assistance and special experiences, including making children honorary gardaí, to lift their spirits. Its work brings joy, relief and community support to families during incredibly difficult times.”
“On Saturday night, I had the honour of attending the 42nd Tallaght person of the year awards. It is an incredible event run by Tallaght Community Council. This event holds a very special place in my heart. It is community-led and shines a light on the unsung heroes of Tallaght: the individuals, groups and organisations who quietly and consistently make our community a better place. Although Tallaght often gets portrayed in a negative manner, this night gives an accurate picture of what Tallaght is really about. The awards span nine categories: arts and culture; business; community; learning and innovation; environment; heart of gold for our under-18s; special needs and carers; sports; and youth. Of course, the night builds to the moment when the overall Tallaght person of the year is announced.”
“This new facility represents a major investment in the future of education and community partnership in Tallaght. The launch will take place today. It will be hosted by Dr. Deirdre Lillis, president of TU Dublin, and will be formally opened by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Deputy Lawless. I would love to have been able to attend to witness what will be a wonderful celebration of what Áras Thuaidh will offer, that is, a modern, welcoming environment that will support learning, partnership and community growth.”
“It is chance for people to make their voices heard on issues like housing, transport, safety, health, community spaces and the supports that help people stay connected and independent. People's experience, ideas and even the challenges they see day to day are vital in shaping a strategy that truly reflects the needs of south Dublin. Nothing about our community should be decided without the community itself, so UI ask people to take part, share their views and help build an age-friendly south Dublin that works for everybody. I am also delighted to share the news of an exciting development for my community of Tallaght and the official launch of Áras Thuaidh at TU Dublin, which is a brand-new space created to support collaboration, innovation and meaningful engagement on campus.”
“I honour their work, impact and the many hundreds of lives made brighter in the past 30 years because of them. I congratulate CARP Killinarden on 30 fantastic years and here's to many more of making the community stronger. I will take a moment to encourage people in the south Dublin area to take part in the upcoming consultation on the south Dublin age-friendly strategy 2026 to 2030. This is a real opportunity for people to shape the future of our community, not just for older people today but for all of us as we age. The consultation takes place on Thursday, 27 November, at the Maldron hotel in Tallaght, with registration from 9 a.m. to 9.30 a.m., and the sessions will start at 10 a.m.”
“I acknowledge the incredible work of the Community Addiction Response Programme, CARP, Killinarden, and congratulate and thank it for 30 years of service to the community, which it is celebrating this week. CARP Killinarden has always been more than a service. It is a lifeline, a source of hope and a powerful voice for people and families affected by addiction. Its commitment to compassion, dignity and change has transformed lives and strengthened the community in ways that cannot be measured. I thank the staff, volunteers and everyone who supports CARP Killinarden. Their dedication, belief in people and tireless efforts make a real difference every single day. They do not just offer support; they offer a pathway forward. That is something truly worth celebrating.”
“I benefited greatly from the training rolled out by Saoirse Domestic Violence Services and I urge all public representatives to get themselves trained on this matter to ensure they do the best for their constituents.”
“I thank the Minister of State. I cannot overstate how important this training is. That somebody trusts us enough to approach us for help is a privilege we all have in the jobs we are lucky enough to be doing. We do not want to put people wrong. We do not want to miss an opportunity for somebody to escape a terrible situation. It is easy to give people advice when you are not living their reality. It is the training that teaches that patience is often needed and the understanding as to why it may take people several attempts before they leave. They deserve a safe space and a person who they feel knows what they are talking about.”
“I especially commend him on the focus placed on victims of domestic abuse, showing his understanding of the importance of the changes that are needed. The training of elected representatives must follow swiftly, however, to ensure that we fulfil the commitments laid out in this plan.”
“Do we understand how to direct victims to the right supports, ensuring that their housing applications are dealt with sensitively, how to communicate with the local authority and safeguard confidentiality and dignity? The housing Minister as a crucial role. Will he initiate a nationwide programme of domestic violence awareness and response training for all elected representatives in Ireland? When someone flees an abusive home, they need more than a policy promise. They need an elected representative who knows what to do, how to help and how to ensure the system delivers. Let us ensure that our policy ambition is matched by our practical readiness. I commend the housing Minister on the progress made in the new housing plan.”
“All elected representatives should be offered and should undertake such training. The new housing plan rightly contains a commitment to the effect that victims will not face the barrier of having to start over from scratch when relocating to a new local authority area. It also rightly recognises that safety should not mean starting again. I raised this in November 2023 in the form of a motion I tabled at a meeting of South Dublin County Council during my time as a councillor. I am glad to see what was advocated for locally has been taken on board nationally. The supports are in place, but do all elected representatives understand the lived reality of fleeing abuse, of picking up children, of leaving their home under duress?”
“In the second half of 2024, 117 households presented to emergency accommodation due to domestic violence, while this year, 189 households presented. Policy and procedure alone will not be enough, however. As elected representatives, we witness at first hand the impact domestic abuse has on individuals and families. Ensuring that we are properly equipped to respond to victims is not optional; it is our responsibility. Only with the right knowledge, sensitivity and training can we fulfil the commitments laid out in the Government's plan. During my time as a councillor on South Dublin County Council, I benefited from training delivered by Saoirse Domestic Violence Services. That training helped me and other elected members and staff to better support victims seeking assistance.”
“The issue I am raising is one of great importance. It relates to the training of elected representatives such that we may be properly able to support victims of domestic violence and abuse. The Government's new housing plan contains strong commitments to victims of domestic abuse. It recognises that when a household is fleeing domestic violence, staying safe often means relocating. The plan ensures that survivors who are forced to relocate will not face barriers in accessing housing supports. Survivors can immediately avail of social housing supports and will not lose time spent on the housing list when moving between local authorities. These are welcome changes which, unfortunately, are necessary.”
“Will the Minister of State clarify what upgrades are planned, the expected timelines and how Uisce Éireann will ensure that south Dublin's wastewater system is resilient enough to cope with growth and with more frequent extreme weather conditions? The State is making an unprecedented investment in water and wastewater services. The ambition is there, but front-line engagement, responsiveness and local network performance must keep pace. The constituency in which I live and every constituency around the country needs a system that works, communicates effectively and delivers the capacity required for new homes and for environmental protection.”
“Local builders, community developers and voluntary organisations are experiencing extended waiting periods. These are holding back delivery of badly needed homes. The programme for Government commits to statutory timelines and improved pre-connection processes. Developers cannot be stuck in limbo for months. Is there a plan to shorten these timelines and give applicants certainty? I will also highlight capacity issues in south Dublin. For example, the Dodder Valley sewers regularly overflow in bad weather. They are extremely old and have been in place for many years. Constituents report manhole surcharging and foul water escaping during heavy rain. This is completely unacceptable in a growing area of the county. These problems point to networks under significant strain.”
“Investment in rural water services is also being ramped up. A total of €306 million has been allocated to water quality improvements, and targeted projects such as the farming for water EIP, nature-based solutions in urban areas and the national barrier mitigation programme are already delivering tangible environmental benefits. Capital delivery capacity has risen from €300 million in 2014 to €1.3 billion today. More than €10.2 billion in further capital works is committed to under the strategic funding plan to 2029. These are real achievements that deserve acknowledgement. Investment must be matched by operational performance, however. In that context, I refer to the long delays in connection agreements for water and wastewater, particularly for smaller housing projects.”
“Last week I reported an urgent query regarding a flood in my constituency and provided all the necessary information: full details, location and photographs. It took 48 hours for me to receive a response, and that response was requesting an eircode and clarification on whether the issue was related to water or wastewater. That is not a functioning system. If an elected representative cannot get a timely, basic response during an emergency, members of the public have no chance. I recognise the significant progress being made under the revised national development plan. There is record investment of €12.2 billion in the water sector and 95% allocated to Uisce Éireann. This is upgrading the water and wastewater infrastructure nationwide, tackling long-standing deficits, enabling population growth and supporting housing delivery.”
“I thank the Minister of State for giving us an opportunity to speak on this. I will go back to my time as a local councillor on South Dublin County Council, when I raised an awful lot of issues regarding water. I had family members who worked in the water section and knew the water system like the back of their hands. They were passionate. I knew a lot of the staff who historically worked in the water section of the council. When I was a councillor raising those issues, I found the response time to be efficient, quick and comprehensive. I did notice, however, after responsibility was moved from South Dublin County Council to Uisce Éireann, a deterioration in the response times and in the quality of responses I received.”
“During my time as a councillor, Saoirse Domestic Violence Services offered training to elected members and staff in South Dublin County Council to help us to better support victims seeking assistance. This type of training is invaluable. All elected representatives should be both offered and undertake such training. I have raised this within my party, and we will be acting on it in the near future. I urge all parties and those of none to do the same, ensuring that we are properly equipped to respond to the victims of domestic abuse. It is not optional; it our responsibility. Only with the right knowledge, sensitivity and training can we truly fulfil the commitments that are laid out in this plan.”
“I especially welcome this inclusion in the plan because, back in November 2023 when I was a councillor on South Dublin County Council, I put forward a motion calling for exactly this change, that victims of domestic violence who move between local authorities should be allowed to carry over their time on the housing list instead of having to start again from scratch. It is encouraging to see that what was advocated for locally has now been taken on board nationally. As elected representatives, we witness first-hand the impact domestic violence has on individuals and families. The Minister's acknowledgement of this reality and the proactive steps taken in the new plan are welcome, but we must go further.”
“Last week, the new housing plan was unveiled by the Minister for housing, Deputy James Browne. I draw particular attention to page 61 of it, where an important and long overdue commitment has been made. In summary, the plan ensures that when a victim of domestic violence must relocate to a new local authority, they will not face barriers in accessing housing supports. Crucially, it provides that victims can immediately avail of the full suite of social housing supports, including housing assistance payment, HAP, and they can transfer the time they have already spent on another local authority housing list. Local authority allocation schemes will also be required to recognise the unique circumstances of victims of domestic violence and prioritise them accordingly.”
“Whether they are struggling with anxiety, low mood or confidence, they find encouragement, understanding and hope. The accredited programmes, Pathfinder and Pathway to Employment, are QQI level 3 and level 4 programmes, respectively. There are also more holistic programmes, CUPPa coaching and mental health recovery workshops. They all give people the tools and belief they need to take the next step forward. They help people rediscover their strengths, rebuild their confidence and see a brighter future for themselves. Thirty years of this kind of impact is something that is truly worth celebrating. They have changed lives, strengthened our community and shown what is possible when compassion and education come together. I thank them for their care, energy and unwavering belief in people's potential.”
“Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending a very special celebration marking 30 years of the Threshold Training Network based in Tallaght. It was a positive and uplifting event filled with past pupils, advocates and community partners who all gathered to celebrate the incredible impact of this organisation on people's lives. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the fantastic team - Adrienne Kilkenny, Steven Fitzgerald, Alicia du Toit, Stephanie Curley and everyone who has been part of Threshold over these 30 years. The dedication, kindness and commitment they have shown to helping others truly shines in everything they do. What makes Threshold Training Network so special is the way it combines mental health recovery with education and training. It has created a space where people can come as they are.”
“I thank the Minister of State for that answer. I would argue the point about the three-week window. I do not think it is acceptable. People are living with cancer at the moment. Someone with stage 4 cancer could have returned to work six weeks ago and then realise they are exhausted. They would be in active treatment and cannot plan for when fatigue hits and when they cannot work at full capacity. I urge the Minister to look at this. I welcome the timeframes and the timely manner in which claims are being processed. We do need efficiency in such circumstances, including the manner in which exceptional circumstances are dealt with. I think that maybe only one person applied because people are not aware of the benefits of partial capacity and their right to it. That was why I included the information piece in my Commencement matter.”
“The current partial capacity benefit application timeframe places unnecessary risk and undermines the very objective of the scheme, which is to support people who can work some hours but not full time.”
“I ask the Minister of State to engage with the Department to undertake a review of the partial capacity benefit application timeframe and process. First, the application deadline should be extended to recognise that an individual's capacity to work may change after they return to work, rather than solely before. Second, a transitional window should be introduced to allow applications after the person realises their reduced capacity and moves to reduced hours without penalty for missing that initial 21-day window. Third, information and guidance should be improved in order to ensure people returning to work are aware of their partial capacity benefit rights, of the deadlines and of the implications for earnings and benefits. Social protection schemes must be responsive to real-life trajectories of illness, recovery and returning to work.”
“They are left working reduced hours with a lower income and without that additional support. Because the partial capacity benefit payment is lower than full illness benefit or invalidity pension, and because income may also be lower, the individual faces a double hit of reduced hours and missing benefit support. A submission by the Citizens Information Board in 2015 described cases where people were worse off returning to work through the partial capacity benefit scheme than they would be remaining on the social welfare payment. The rigid timeframe and the risk of losing other payments before they even know their capacity means people may delay returning to work, may continue claiming benefits when they might wish to work, or may accept reduced hours without any support. This is a poor outcome for individuals, employers and the economy.”
“I thank the Minister of State for attending today. I raise this matter because I have encountered its real-life impact. The issue concerns the application process timeframe for the partial capacity benefit. This scheme allows people to return to work if they have reduced capacity while continuing to receive support from the Department of Social Protection. The Department sets out that people must apply for partial capacity benefit before they start work, or within 21 days of starting work. This creates a scenario that can affect a person who returns to work after illness with the intention of resuming full-time work, only to find out that they do not have the capacity to do so. By this time, the 21-day window has elapsed and they are unable to access partial capacity benefit, despite being unable to work full-time.”
“I thank the Minister of State for his response. A really important part of meeting the needs is very good communication with the parents. They are going to be handing their child over for care when they are not there. I want people to be able to die in peace - I know it sounds dramatic - and to feel that their child, whom they have cared for all their lives, will be cared for in a loving, safe, high-standard environment in an area to which those people feel their children are connected. It will have to be very trust-based, working with people with the lived experience because they are the people who really know the ins and outs of it and they are the people who will direct us best in what they need and what is best for those children.”
“That mindset must include enough funding for residential places, providing clear and accessible information for families, offering respite, planning supports and ensuring that adults with disabilities can live in homes that keep them connected to their communities. Parents who have devoted their whole lives to being carers should be entitled to take a step back when they can no longer provide care and live out their later years and enjoy their child. Most importantly, they should be able to die in peace knowing that their child will be cared for and loved just as they were when they were alive.”
“A low base, where the most vulnerable in our society are concerned, is unacceptable. A low base can no longer be the standard, and we cannot operate on a system that often reacts only in crisis. Emergency is the least effective, most distressing and most expensive way to support a person to access their rights. Today, I ask what forward planning is in place to support elderly parents in the care of their adult children who have disabilities when they can no longer provide care? If there is no plan, what plan is going to be put in place? What these people are asking for is not a luxury; it is a necessity. These parents need to be certain that when they need to step back, when illness forces them to, there will be a safe, local and permanent place for their children to live. The Minister has spoken of the need for a new mindset.”
“This heartbreaking statement is a sentiment that is echoed throughout this cohort of people. According to recent figures, more than 2,000 people aged over 70 are providing full-time care for their adult sons and daughters; 500 of those parents are now aged over 80. As a parent of a child who does not have a disability, I worry what the future holds for him. For a parent of a child with a disability, who is vulnerable, incapable of advocating for themselves and who relies on the care of others to have their needs met, I cannot imagine the worry they feel. The Minister herself has said that disability services in Ireland are coming from a very low base and she acknowledged that a particular emphasis has been placed on emergency planning and not enough on forward planning.”
“I would like to concentrate today specifically on the challenges faced by elderly parents who are still caring for their adult children with disabilities. These people provide care at home for their children and, as they age, they worry about what will happen when they are no longer able to care for their child, and I say "when", not "if". I was struck last week while listening to an interview with elderly parents who care for their 40-year-old daughter who has an intellectual disability. This couple expressed how they are genuinely concerned about what will happen to their child, again, when, not if, they can no longer care for her. The father even went so far as to say that they hope their daughter goes before them. Take a moment to reflect on that statement.”
“I welcome the Minister of State. I am raising this really important issue today as it is one that I have encountered in my own constituency. However, I must admit that it was not a scenario I had ever considered until I came face to face with people living it and, unfortunately, it is one that affects many families throughout our country. The role of our carers cannot be understated. Unless you have experience of being a full-time carer, you could not possibly comprehend the day-to-day of their lives. Any one of us, through circumstances outside of our control, could become a carer. It is a role that can happen through an accident or the illness of a loved one. Others become carers on the day their child is born. To dedicate your life to the care of a loved one is admirable, but the hidden sacrifice and struggle is immense.”
“This motion rightly draws attention to the gaps that still exist, particularly around access to dental oncology services, rehabilitation supports and post-treatment care. These are issues that the Government acknowledges and is actively addressing. Progress has been made but there is more to do. I reiterate that Fianna Fáil welcome's this motion and supports the continued expansion and reform of services for patients with head and neck cancers. The measures under way, whether through enhanced funding, workforce expansion, HPV vaccination or the implementation of Smile agus Sláinte, represent meaningful progress. Ultimately, our focus must remain on ensuring that every patient receives timely, comprehensive and compassionate care from diagnosis to recovery. That is the standard we must continue to work towards.”
“This is a crucial step, as oral and dental health cannot be treated in isolation; it must be embedded within our broader cancer and community healthcare frameworks. The Government's wider oral health reform agenda is being driven through Smile agus Sláinte, the national oral health policy, which represents a major reconfiguration of oral health services. The policy is a programme-for-Government commitment and is aligned with the World Health Organization's global oral health action plan. Developing a clear, consistent patient journey for people with head and neck cancers spanning prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and survivorship will be central to improving outcomes. This requires not only investment, but also co-ordination, skilled staff and clinically led pathways that place patients at the centre of care.”
“There have also been key staffing appointments to strengthen the system, including a consultant in medically compromised patients at the Dublin Dental University Hospital and a consultant in maxillofacial prosthodontics and oral rehabilitation at St. James’s. These posts are essential to building a multidisciplinary model of care. The Department of Health and the NCCP continue to meet on this issue, with the next follow-up scheduled for 21 October demonstrating ongoing engagement and commitment to resolving system challenges and expanding regional care capacity. Looking ahead, the HSE is considering the inclusion of oral health networks of care within its new regional structures.”
“James's Hospital, Beaumont Hospital and the Dublin Dental University Hospital to strengthen this pathway. Significant progress has been made in recent years. Since March 2022, out-of-pocket costs for patients attending the Dublin Dental University Hospital for neck and cancer care have been eliminated. Funding to the Dublin Dental University Hospital has increased substantially from €311,000 in 2023 to €579,000 by year end, excluding education funding of €189,000. A further €594,000 has been provided by the Department of Health to support supplementary dental treatments for cancer patients. In 2024, more than €900,000 was allocated nationally to advance these services and ensure patients can access the care they need.”
“At the same time, we should ensure those already living with or recovering from head and neck cancer receive the best possible care and support. These patients often face complex oral and dental issues because of their cancer or its treatment. I know from personal experience the effect chemo alone has on dental health. During my chemo, my tooth fell out with no warning. It was so traumatic for me so I cannot begin to imagine the trauma faced by a person dealing with a head or neck cancer diagnosis. The Government is fully committed to improving oncology-related dental services. The HSE, through the national cancer control programme, has established a working group to define the optimal dental oncology pathway. The NCCP has been engaging with dental representatives at St.”
“Under the programme for Government, there is a clear commitment to extend the Laura Brennan HPV catch-up vaccination programme to everyone under the age of 25 who may have missed it. As part of this, the Minister for Health has introduced a schools-based HPV catch-up programme, ensuring students who previously declined or missed the vaccine have another opportunity to receive it. These are vital public health measures that will save lives in the years ahead. I encourage people to avail of it. I had no hesitation whatsoever to ensure my son availed of it and I genuinely worry about the drop in the uptake of it in recent times. I always remember Laura Brennan in that because the work she did was phenomenal.”
“These cancers encompass a broad range of anatomical sites and can have devastating effects on speech, swallow, appearance and quality of life, as the Senator referenced. Traditionally, head and neck cancers were most commonly in men over the age of 55 but we are now seeing a clear demographic shift. The gap between men and women has narrowed to just 2:1 and the number of younger people affected is increasing. Over the next 25 years, incidences are projected to rise by 30%. This change is due, in part, to the increasing prevalence of HPV which is now recognised as a key factor in many head and neck cancers. Addressing this means continuing our dual approach of primary prevention through vaccination and secondary prevention through screening. The HPV vaccine has been available to girls since 2010 and to boys since 2019.”
“I welcome this important motion on supporting services for patients with head and neck cancers and commend Senator Craughwell on bringing it forward and sharing his family's own personal experience. There is nothing more powerful than lived experience. I also thank Senator McDowell for sending out the briefing document, which is very graphic and informative but is something we needed to see. I appreciate that also. Fianna Fáil welcomes this discussion as it is an issue that affects patients and families across the country. It is one that demands continued focus, investment and reform. Each year in Ireland, more than 760 people are diagnosed with a cancer of the mouth, head or neck.”
“It can affect anyone at any age. By listening to survivors and learning the science, we can all play a part in catching cancer earlier and support those affected.”
“They are a lump in the breast or armpit, dimpling or retraction of the nipple, a change in the skin around the nipple or discharge, a puckering of the skin of the breast, an unusual increase in the size of one breast, one breast unusually lower than the other, enlargement of the glands in or around the breast or armpit, or an unusual swelling in the armpit. Behind the campaign are the stories of six brave survivors. Niamh Noonan was diagnosed at 30. Dara McDonough was diagnosed at 59. He reminds us that men can also be affected. Vanessa Pontes is living with stage 4 breast cancer. Laura Hughes was diagnosed at 40 with DCIS, triple-negative subtype. Demmy Adebayo was diagnosed at 42 with HER2+ breast cancer. Juliette O'Connell was diagnosed at 42 with HER2+ subtype. Each story shows that breast cancer does not discriminate.”
“Today I will tell the House about a recently launched campaign called BreastCancerKnowMore. It is a survivor-led national breast cancer awareness campaign from Breast Cancer Ireland. Members may have seen the posters and billboards with very powerful images of six brave survivors. The campaign's message is powerful and direct: "I didn't know the signs. Do you?" It aims to help people recognise the warning signs of breast cancer early. It is supported by a free breast awareness app that teaches users the eight key signs and symptoms to look out for. The goal of the campaign is to place survivors at the centre of the message, using their voices, their bodies and their scars to show the real human impact of breast cancer and to encourage early detection, which can save lives. What are those eight signs and symptoms?”
“I thank the Minister of State for her response. I have concerns. There is a specific issue with the symptomatic breast disease clinics. It is about when a girl, generally of 36 years or under, presents after being referred by her GP with a lump and is sent away without a scan that day. I think something has changed over the years. Years ago when I was diagnosed, I never met anybody who was sent away without a scan on the day. The question I have asked several times is whether something changed. Did something change around the time the early diagnosis of symptomatic cancer plan was put together? I will follow up with the Minister for an answer on that issue.”
“Today I am asking for a clear commitment that symptomatic breast clinics will be resourced to carry out diagnostic scans at the first appointment, ensuring that younger women will no longer feel dismissed or be left waiting months for a scan. I speak from experience when I say that breast cancer treatment in Ireland is very good. The outcome for many patients is positive but the delay in diagnosing younger women risks costing those women their lives or costing them precious time.”