Senator David Norris has revealed that he has cancer.

In a statement, the 68-year-old said that he is undergoing ‘medical management for a serious cancer condition' at St Vincent's Private Hospital in Dublin.

He said that the disease ‘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'.

He explained that he had been prompted to reveal his condition after his office was contacted by members of the media in recent days inquiring about his health.

"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 Eireann over the next few days," Senator Norris said.

He added that he was ‘extremely grateful for the superb treatment' he has received at St Vincent's.