Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the comments by the Ombudsman for Children, reported on Monday last, which raised a number of important issues in regard to children in Ireland and, in particular, shortcomings in services for children ranging across a number of areas. It is important to listen to what the ombudsman is saying and have a debate on the matter.

The Irish Cancer Society has undertaken to raise the issue of the failure of the Government to extend screening for cervical cancer which is available only in the mid-west region. This is an important issue because, as is the case with breast cancer screening, women's lives are at risk. I ask the Leader, as she has done on the breast cancer issue, to take up this issue and let us debate it in the House and ensure the matter is kept on the agenda. I see no reason this screening programme cannot be extended. It does not involve an exorbitant cost, it is not as difficult to achieve as breast screening and is operated through GPs. The bottom line is it makes a difference; it saves lives. I ask the Leader to put the issue on the agenda as a matter of urgency.