Dáil debates

Wednesday, 13 March 2013

Topical Issue Debate

Health Screening

1:50 pm

Photo of Billy KelleherBilly Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her reply. The Red C poll showing a figure of 12% awareness is indicative. We all live by Red C polls in this House. It is clear that the information campaign is not resonating with the public. Conditions such as haemochromatosis and risks such as sudden cardiac death could be identified from the DNA information on these cards. I understand the complexity and constraints of the issue. I urge the Minister of State to see if the deadline can be extended. Perhaps the Attorney General could advise whether the human tissue Bill could be a means of addressing this issue. We could very easily regret the destruction of such a significant body of information, which could be of great benefit to the generations coming after us. I urge caution in this regard. I ask the Minister of State to use all possible mechanisms between now and 31 March. As the Red C poll has shown, nobody knows that this is happening.

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