David Norris (Independent)

I support Senator Finucane's call for screening for prostate cancer. I have it done every year as I have had a prostate problem for some time, which happens to most men over a certain age. The blood test is simple and is a good idea that should be done.

The Senator also raised the matter of BreastCheck. I received a communication this morning from Age Action Ireland pointing out that, though there is a dip in the incidence of breast cancer for those in their 40s, rates start to increase again for those in their 60s. Women over 64 are excluded from the BreastCheck service, which is wrong. This is a form of ageism. We should make the service available to everyone as it is just as much a difficulty, tragedy or trauma for a woman of 64 or over as it is for someone younger.

I wish to raise the issue of immigration procedures, asylum seekers and so on. We must monitor this situation on an ongoing basis. I received a letter from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, concerning the Kennedy-McCain Bill in the US and our Government's tremendous activity in lobbying for our unregistered and undocumented people in America.