Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Finucane in his calls for a debate on men's health and I have asked for such a debate on several occasions in the past. We have debated women's health in this Chamber, and rightly so. The incidence of prostate cancer is increasing. I am guided by Senator Henry's knowledge in stating that the PAS test, while providing some guidance, is not a conclusive test.

We also had a discussion on diabetes in tandem with the debate on the obesity report but diabetes, particularly type 2, merits a standalone debate. I exhort the Leader to encourage the Minister for Health and Children to debate type 2 diabetes in this House and to initiate a screening programme for this condition. A great number of people are suffering from type 2 diabetes and an even greater number do not even know they have the disease.

It is time the matter was brought centre stage in this House. Let us invite the Minister for Health and Children to the House to hear definitive proposals from her on what is to be done about prostate cancer and type 2 diabetes.