Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)

I support the many speakers who referred to the obesity task force report launched yesterday by the Taoiseach. If we do not take this matter seriously, particularly in regard to children, we will lose the opportunity to deal with the issue. Children no longer walk to school in towns and villages. Their parents drive them to and from school. That must change and we must allow young children to walk to and from school.

As a former member of the health board, Senator Bannon should know that people in Longford no longer have to rise at 4 a.m. because recently a new dialysis unit was opened in Tullamore to cater for the midland region. I compliment the Department of Health and Children, the Minister and all her associates on opening the unit.