Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Finucane, who is the acting leader of the Opposition, certainly set the agenda for the many debates here this morning. He wished the Taoiseach well but raised the fact that it has been over seven years since the Good Friday Agreement was signed. I have already written to the Taoiseach asking him if he would come to the House before the end of the session to debate Northern Ireland.

Senator Finucane also raised the matter of prostate cancer statistics in the south west and the fact that there is now an easy blood test which can detect the early traces of prostate cancer. The BBC also reported last night that a new early test for breast cancer has been developed that can detect precancerous tumours that could turn cancerous. It would be worthwhile if both these tests could be provided. A very fair point was made about men's health. Senator Glynn has raised the issue many times. It would be a change, and a necessary one, to hold such a debate.

Senator O'Toole raised the OECD report on child care and the NESF report, which has just been released. Senators O'Meara and White highlighted these, particularly the advisability of free one-year preschool care for all children entering primary school. Senator O'Toole also called for each workplace to have facilities for blood tests.

Senator O'Meara said she is pleased that child care is on the agenda, as am I. I could not help but smile when the Senator said that certain Ministers might want to take credit for it. She is correct. As we know, it is women, with the honourable exception of Senator Minihan, who have led the debate on this and kept the matter to the fore. Senator O'Meara put it on the national agenda at her party's national conference, which was interesting. There was also a call for a debate on Northern Ireland but, as I said earlier, my letter has been sent to the Taoiseach.

Senator Minihan asked for debates on child care, Northern Ireland and prostate cancer. Senator Bannon spoke about the charges for freedom of information requests and said the Taoiseach was to review this after a certain period. I understand he is doing that. Senator Hanafin asked for a debate on VRT while Senator Norris spoke about screening for prostate cancer and, for women over a particular age, screening for breast cancer. He also spoke about the capricious system of decision making on asylum seekers. It is totally capricious at present. I will seek a debate on it because I cannot get the information I need without seeking it formally.

Senator Glynn sought a debate on men's health, particularly on type two diabetes, screening and other health issues for men. Senator Coghlan asked for debates on child care, men's health, Northern Ireland and the cost of compliance statements for small firms. However, if there is no compliance, matters such as health and safety and so forth will not be dealt with. People cannot have it every way. The compliance requirements on firms might appear onerous but they are necessary.

Senator Mooney spoke about child care and pointed out that the expansion of the economy has meant that we are scrambling to catch up on such matters. We have to catch up now. This House was well represented in discussions with the legislators in Washington who are dealing with the undocumented Irish in America. The delegation was well aware that we have an equal if not greater problem in that regard in this country.

Senator Henry sought a debate on preventative medicine and asked why two Oireachtas Members are being harassed through the courts, which is costing money. The Cathaoirleach replied to the Senator but I will try to speak to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, before he comes to the House tonight and put the Senator's question to him.

Senator White is working on child care daily. This issue has gone from being unwelcome to it generating acclaim for the Senator from all sides of the House. I hope the Senator does not disappear into the Carmelites where she is due to have her next meeting.