Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

Two weeks ago the Joint Committee on Health and Children met with the sudden cardiac death syndrome group, at the group's request. The group is comprised of parents who told us about the deaths of seven young people from sudden cardiac arrest who died within six weeks of each other. The most horrific, heart-rending stories unfolded during that one and a half hour meeting. I ask the Leader to organise a debate on sudden cardiac arrest among young people, particularly in light of another terrible tragedy in Cork last night where a young man of 17 years of age died while playing a game of hurling for his club. There must be greater awareness not only among the public but among members of the medical profession who, according to the members of the group, do not know a great deal about the syndrome.

Last Thursday the Joint Committee on Health and Children had an excellent meeting during which the Secretary General of the Department, Mr. Michael Scanlon, answered every question, including the one Senator Browne wants answered again in the Chamber.