The Taoiseach has defended cancer services in this region.

It comes as the Dail heard this afternoon that lives are on the line in the North West and West of Ireland, with many cancer patients not starting their treatment within the recommended time frame.

In one case, it's claimed that a woman had to beg for chemotherapy at Galway University Hospital.

The issue was raised by Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald who described the situation as terrifying but Michael Martin says there has been significant investment in cancer services: