Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Áine Brady, and wish her the best of luck in her new portfolio. I have no doubt she will do an excellent job.

I welcome the opportunity to say a few words on the issue of diabetes from which a considerable number of my friends suffer. The word is that one never knows one is going to get diabetes until one has it, and then it is too late to prevent it. Will all this screening prevent people from getting diabetes? I have always been of the opinion that 250,000 to 260,000 people in this country have diabetes but do not realise it. The Minister of State said the figures were somewhat less and, if so, I am delighted to know this. It is because we are getting on top of things and people are more informed about diet and health. Obesity is increasing, yet we have never had as many fitness centres, as many people walking or cycling, or as many involved in sports. One would wonder where it is all leading. Diet must be the main problem.

Diabetes affects nearly all the organs of one's body. If it can be prevented, everything possible should be done to do so. Senator Twomey mentioned that a simple blood test administered by a doctor or nurse could be useful. I presume it would only reveal whether one had diabetes and not whether it was coming down the track.

I have some questions about the roll-out of the screening programme in the west. The Minister of State said it would be rolled out in the four Health Service Executive, HSE, areas. Will the western region be the last one?