Susan O'Keeffe (Labour)

I welcome the Amnesty International 70 page report, Deadly Reprisals, which it compiled by sending its brave members on the ground to dangerous and difficult places in Syria. They did this work at the risk of death and have confirmed, as the organisation can do given its status as an international organisation, that it is state policy to overthrow those opposed to the government. Amnesty International has established that at least 10,000 people, mainly men and boys, have been killed since March 2011. Each time I stand in the Chamber I raise the matter of Syria. I urge the Government to keep it to the forefront of our efforts. It is nothing short of disgraceful what is happening in Syria.

I support the Leader on the Seanad Public Consultation Committee hearings planned for next week on the subject of cancer. They will deal with how we, as a society, can get a clear message across on how we can reduce the number of cancers. The evidence is incontrovertible. Some 30% of the most common cancers can be prevented. There is the unwelcome news from the World Health Organization that diesel fumes give rise to a 40% greater risk. This raises a serious question, if the risk is heightened so much by diesel fumes. This research was published yesterday by the International Agency for Research on Cancer and while I suspect it will not form part of our discussions next week, it should at least be in our minds.

I seek clarification of the position on Cregg House in Sligo, which matter has been raised in the House previously. I have taken advice this morning from the HSE and seek an assurance for those using Cregg House which offers services for those with intellectual disabilities that they will continue to be provided, despite the fact that the Daughters of Wisdom have stated they will withdraw in the longer term, in order that there will be no short-term risk to those using the services, their families and staff. I seek clarification from the Minister on the deficit of €1.3 million with which Cregg House cannot cope. The HSE states that this deficit is not necessary. The truth lies somewhere in between. We need to know what is happening in order that services at Cregg House can continue to be provided and rooted in the community.

I wish the Irish team the best of luck today as it prepares to play Spain. It will, I am sure, be a difficult match, but we wish it well. As spokesperson on agriculture, I also wish those involved in the Taste of Dublin festival well today.