Dan Boyle (Green Party)

Senator MacSharry has consistently called for a debate on BreastCheck and, given the concerns about how the programme is operating in the north west, he is justified in continually raising the issue in the House. The Senator will have an opportunity tomorrow, with the visit of the Minister for Health and Children to the House, although I accept it will not be the perfect opportunity, given that the Minister is due to speak on nursing homes and medical cards. There were requests for a debate on eating disorders not only from Senator MacSharry but also from Senators Feeney and Glynn, while the latter also called for a debate on diabetes. Given that the Minister for Health and Children is a frequent contributor to debates here and is always willing to come to this House, all these matters may be the subject of discussions with her at a future date.

Senators Phelan and O'Donovan asked for a debate on agriculture. There are issues, on foot of the budget, that have caused ongoing concern and that require a response. The Leader's office has attempted to organise a debate, but the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will be away on Government business next week. Therefore, the earliest opportunity for such a debate will be the week after next. As soon as a debate can be arranged, that will be done.

Senator McFadden, to whom I should have referred in the context of health debates, asked why health facilities in Mullingar, Galway and Letterkenny are not operational, which I suspect is due to staffing issues. A similar situation pertained in an accident and emergency unit in Cork until recently. The Senator's question deserves an answer but I do not know if the Minister will be in a position to provide one tomorrow. Nevertheless, we will ask the question on the Senator's behalf.

Senator Bacik asked about the climate protection Bill. The position of the Government is unchanged in this regard. We want to see progress in the international debate in terms of the Copenhagen meeting and whether the EU position will be to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 20%, as per the current agreement, or 30% if an international agreement is reached in Copenhagen. It is good to see that the British Government has agreed a Bill, but it is one that is not without flaws. For example, emissions from aviation and shipping are not covered by that Bill, which is a matter of great controversy.