Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

The House will debate the Ferns Report later today and Members will have an opportunity to raise these issues but I listened to Archbishop Martin yesterday morning and he gave a very responsible type of interview. The church is trying to respond to the crisis in which it finds itself and in that regard it is not right to kick its members while they are down. They should be given a reasonable chance. They are trying to respond to what happened in the past. There are many responsible members of the church.

In 2000, BreastCheck was rolled out for the east coast. There is now an excessive waiting list nationally for mammograms. Cancer is a major cause of fear for people.

I ask that the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, consider rolling this out earlier than 2007. The funding is there on a national basis, we have a buoyant economy and we must deal with this issue as soon as possible.

Senator Glynn has mentioned that men are often forgotten in this regard. Something should be done on a national basis about prostate cancer, which has become an increasing area of concern. A very simple test will resolve that situation. The Minister could examine this area and show some enlightenment.