Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

That would suit Senator Minihan also.

Senator Glynn welcomed the report of the task force on obesity and said it was relevant to the issue of type 2 diabetes. He pointed out that this condition rivals cancer as one of the greatest causes of death. It is lifestyle related. The Senator called for a general screening programme to ascertain the numbers suffering from the condition. That topic was taken up by Senator Maurice Hayes who agreed with the Senator.

Senator Finucane raised the issue of the task force on obesity and asked about the introduction of a fat tax. The Government has set its face against a fat tax. I do not know what it means, unless it is a tax on those foods which are supposed to make one fat.

The Senator also raised the issue of children with special needs. Some 660 extra resource teachers have been provided. These teachers were heretofore called remedial teachers. From now on the child does not need psychological testing. If the teacher is of the opinion that the child is in need of the services of a resource teacher that service will be made available. There used to be a long wait for psychological testing, which was damaging. The Senator asked if the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin, would come into the House for a debate on the matter. I have requested such a debate.

Senator Leyden raised the matter of the €10 travel tax proposed as a means of helping the Third World. It is a ridiculous proposal and the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, has refused to consider it. Senator Leyden rightly made the point that these proposals will lead us nowhere.

Senator Norris expressed concern about dangers to the environment arising from drainage. He also asked for a debate on the metro. I have asked the Minister for Transport to come to the House to debate that issue.

Senator Kate Walsh supported Senator Glynn's call for a debate on diabetes. Senator Bannon asked for a debate on the health services. Senator Moynihan made the point that Tullamore hospital has a new dialysis unit.