Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I support many of the requests for debates but particularly on obesity and breast cancer. These are highly complex issues. People drive their children to school out of concern for their security. Schools do not allow children to play because they accept there is a risk and parents may sue the schools. Society must look at these issues. Senator Minihan made a good point, namely, that the diet of the poor is a poor diet which must be tackled by dealing with poverty.

I suggest that the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission arrange for a position paper to be prepared in advance of such debates, particularly on a subject such as breast cancer. Some Members know a great deal about that subject, for which we are grateful, but our debates would be more informed if we had a general position paper. I call for more resources for the Oireachtas Library so a position paper setting out most of the facts would be made available before the debates.