Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

I do not rise in an effort to scare people but there was a major media debate and much hype at one stage regarding iodine tablets to be used in potential nuclear attacks. On the one o'clock news today there was a report that the volcanic ash is now at ground level. It was discovered in Galway. There is anecdotal evidence from the rest of the country that people are experiencing more respiratory problems as a result of the volcanic ash. People who already have respiratory problems are experiencing further difficulties. Could we get an update from the Minister for Health and Children on whether there is any health risk from this ash or even advice on the need for some people to use some form of protection when they are doing a lot of work or walking outside if they have an asthmatic condition or other illness in that respect?

In terms of our workload, and staying within the health remit, there have been many reports recently on obesity, sedentary lifestyles and young children under the age of five having to have their teeth removed owing to tooth decay. Senator Quinn spoke earlier about the whole concept of good news. One of the good news stories in the past two weeks is that many parts of Ireland got good weather, which meant a lot of people went out walking or jogging. They got a good colour without having to leave the country. They did not get caught up in any strike or have to do battle with any mode of transport.