Seanad debates

Thursday, 28 May 2009

10:30 am

Photo of Cecilia KeaveneyCecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

I endorse the comments of Senator Norris on the need for the march to be cancelled or the request that the group consider it. It would be a sign of the maturity of the people of all communities that, while respecting the right to march, there should also be the right to respect human life. It would be a sign of maturity all of communities if those involved in the marching season reflected seriously on what happened in Coleraine. In this instance, they should go with what the majority would see as a sign of solidarity with the family who have lost their loved one, and with those who were injured and almost killed at the weekend.

In the context of the good weather we will have in the next few days, when the sunburn index will be very high, I encourage the Leader to continue to allow discussions on cancer. We have discussed bowel cancer and I have raised the issue of melanoma cancer awareness. We should support the Irish Cancer Society's campaigns. I ask for an update in October on the roll-out of BreastCheck to the remaining counties, including Donegal, which is due to happen in September or October.

I ask the Leader for an update on the judicial review committee which has been talked about for many years. It would have an oversight role regarding the judicial system and it is important we see some advances on that soon.

Regarding posters and hoardings, whatever about the age and profile of people and whether their DNA is that which is in front of us, I suggest this is a day and age where many posters and hoardings are destroyed as soon as they go up. Their value in terms of what is spent on them in comparison with what is gained from them in terms of visibility is almost negligible. We should look at alternative ways of getting the message across about who is standing for election. I suggest we pursue the idea of banning posters and hoardings and finding an alternative.

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