Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

I wish to add my voice to those seeking a debate on cancer services. A number of years ago, I went to London to meet some of the main members of Europa Donna. Their central point was for politicians not to be political about the issue of cancer services and that the most important thing was for patients to have access to a more holistic and multidisciplinary service. We must ensure we have the best possible survival rates and not necessarily the closest location for treatment. As a politician it is difficult to say that without the remarks being taken up in a different way.

This is male cancer awareness week and, as a woman, I am not in any way undermining the issue of breast cancer screening. Sometimes, however, other cancers which can be equally lethal need to be kept to the fore of public awareness. If we are to have a discussion on cancer services it should concern all cancers, including male cancers. Prostate cancer, for example, is as much if not more of a killer than other forms of cancer that may be more commonly spoken about.

A new report from the principals of various primary schools in Dublin 15 has found that some teachers are afraid to report misbehaviour by immigrant children to their parents for fear those children will be physically abused because they have a different culture to ours. If such children misbehave their parents may take the matter more seriously than happens in our own culture. The report also revealed a lack of social skills among some newcomer children, which is leading to disruption. It also reported that some children from certain countries had less respect for female teachers. I am not sure whether this is a matter for the Department of Education and Science, which is doing great work in providing English language supports for immigrant children, or a matter for the Minister of State with responsibility for integration. In any case, I seek a debate on the outstanding education issues being experienced in multi-ethnic schools.