Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I was startled by the report that a scientist had drawn attention to the possibility of the earthquake occurring due to radon. I do not know enough about the subject, but the House held an interesting debate on radon last year. This is a reminder that one of the benefits of the House, which is sometimes criticised, is the possibility of raising a matter for discussion that would not otherwise be debated.

If it is true that the scientist was told not to cause panic or scares and to keep quiet about his or her concerns, it is horrific. The situation is a reminder of our benefits in the House and of democracy in this State, as we can raise issues of concern that might not sound urgent at the time.

I will add a point to Senator Daly's comments on cystic fibrosis. The relevant figures are high in the Republic of Ireland, which I queried last year when the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland visited the Oireachtas. I understand that those who survived the Famine of the 1840s had genes that made them more susceptible to cystic fibrosis. It did not occur to the same extent in the North. This is the reason for the South having a much higher rate of cystic fibrosis than anywhere else in Europe, including Northern Ireland. I mention this matter because it places cystic fibrosis at a high level of importance in this country that might not necessarily apply in other countries.