Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I agree with Senator Henry that if genetic testing was attended to, many breast cancers would be detected at an early stage. The pre-cancerous stage is detectable by an MRI scan.

Senator Moylan raised the issue of the unit in Tullamore hospital. Senator Feighan also conveyed his apologies by sign language across the floor of the House for leaving the House early. He asked for a debate on obesity and suggested we should all walk more. He asked why the gymnasium has not been provided. As soon as the gymnasium is provided all the commentators will be giving about it. Senator Cummins said that older people who seek stroke rehabilitation are being fobbed off and are more or less being told: "It would be of no use to you, my dear." The Senator did not use those words; I am merely saying what might be said.

Senator Maurice Hayes spoke about obesity and breast cancer. Generally people who cannot afford different kinds of food have bad diets. The Senator also asked that a position paper be prepared, in advance of such debates, particularly on a subject such as breast cancer. He did not say who should provide such a position paper and I certainly will not do it. However, his point was that the Oireachtas Library might have the resources to do so.

Senator White referred to Say No to Ageism Week and related all that President Reagan went through at the age of 76, which was good for him.