Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I join with my colleagues in saying that cancer services should not be subject to a political discussion, but I agree that we must have a debate on what is a very serious issue. These are not numbers, but women waiting to hear whether they have the all clear in terms of their health. They have been deprived of an early diagnosis, which is so important when dealing with breast cancer. The BreastCheck service is available in Offaly at the moment and I ask that it remain there a little longer, which might go some way to reassure the women that are suffering, worrying, wondering and waiting.

I would also like to raise the issue about the poor girl in Australia who lost her life in a car accident. Her mother was requested to produce a certificate to show that her daughter's body was free from infection, despite the fact that she had donated her organs and that the Australian authorities had given her the all clear. In a time of such stress and anxiety, the idea of having to wait to obtain clearance from our Government is absolutely appalling. As our national airline is no longer what it was, the Minister for Foreign Affairs should also explain Government policy on the transporting home from abroad of the remains of our loved ones.