Senator Norris has 'serious cancer condition'

He said the cancer appears to be related to a time when he contracted viral hepatitis - which he picked up from drinking tainted water while he was on unpaid government business in Eastern Europe back in 1994.

Senator Norris has thanked the staff at St Vincent's Private Hospital for their superb treatment and he says he looks forward to returning to his duties in the Seanad over the next few days.

Senator David Norris' statement in full:

"My office has been contacted in recent days by sections of the press making inquiries concerning my state of health and general medical condition. The following statement will I hope provide an adequate response. I am currently undergoing medical management for a serious cancer condition. I am extremely grateful for the superb treatment I have received from the team of consultants at St. Vincent's Private Hospital as well as the nursing and general hospital staff.

"The cancer appears to be related to the initial incidence of viral hepatitis which I contracted from tainted drinking water while I was on unpaid Government business in Eastern Europe in 1994.

"I have no difficulty in making this information public in response to press queries because I believe that there should be no stigma attaching to cancer as a disease. I continue to enjoy life and am looking forward to returning to my duties in Seanad Éireann over the next few days."