Seanad debates

Wednesday, 4 July 2007

11:00 am

Photo of Camillus GlynnCamillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

Like previous speakers, I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for the even-handed manner in which he has conducted meetings of the House. I also extend my sincere thanks to the Cathaoirleach — who, regrettably, is not present today — to the Senators who are retiring and to Jody Blake, Deirdre Lane and their staff. I will be contesting the Seanad election and I wish those colleagues who are doing likewise the very best.

It would be remiss of me not to mention a number of Members, particularly those who are retiring. Top of the list is the man who has just spoken, namely, Senator Daly, who has been a fountain of knowledge and a rock of common sense. The Senator has served at all levels of public life and his long career is a testament to the esteem in which he is held in his native Clare.

Senator Maurice Hayes, with whom I share a secretary, is also retiring. The Senator has been of tremendous help to me. He is an ardent conversationalist, possesses a wealth of knowledge and regardless of the topic, he is on top of it.

Senators Bohan, Dardis and Henry are also retiring. Senator Henry and I always found a common denominator on health issues and I thank her for the great support she gave me, not least in respect of diabetes, the silent epidemic, about which I am particularly concerned. It took a long time for a debate to take place on that matter in the House. The late, great Senator Kate Walsh was always ardent in her support in respect of this matter, as was Senator Callanan, both of whom contracted that cursed disease. If I am returned to the Seanad, I give notice now that I will pursue this matter strongly because diabetes has horrendous implications for all aspects of the health service.

Another matter to which I wish to refer is suicide. I commend a former Member of the House, Deputy Neville, who is in the Gallery and who has made a crusade out of this issue. It is a matter of particular concern that young males in a certain age group are seven times more likely to commit suicide than their female counterparts.

Men's health is also a matter of concern. When they buy cars, men regularly take them to be serviced. However, they never seem to look after their own health. If they do look after it, they usually do so following prompting from their wives, partners, sisters or friends. We are not the best people in the world for looking after our health.

I thank Senators Bohan, O'Meara, Finucane, Fitzgerald, Cox and others who have decided to call it a day for their contributions to the House. We are all sent here by those who elect us. While people might criticise the system by which we are elected, it is certainly one way to see Ireland. However, there are less taxing and expensive ways of doing so.

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for his great co-operation and forbearance. I hope we will both be returned to the Seanad.

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