Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

This is a serious subject so Deputies should not be flippant. I represent the people of Firhouse, Tallaght, Templeogue, Greenhills and Brittas who sent me here to do my job and not to rise to heckles. Deputies should allow me to be serious.

BreastCheck operates in the Tallaght area beside the district library and civic headquarters and has looked after more than 6,000 women. People say that it provides an excellent service. Deputy Harney is familiar with Tallaght and has walked the same streets and knows that it is an issue. BreastCheck is working in a major population centre such as Tallaght. I can easily speak about Tallaght because it is the third largest population centre in the country. Tallaght Hospital caters for people from all over the region. It is important that I make the case for BreastCheck remaining in the area. Tallaght is a major population centre and a new city and BreastCheck should operate there permanently. Whatever happens in the future, account should be taken of Tallaght and the success of the service there. There is a great relationship between BreastCheck and Tallaght Hospital, which is in its seventh year.

I look forward to supporting the Tánaiste, as I am always happy to do, and the Government amendment.

See this speech in context