Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the day that the team from the "Operation Transformation" television programme is before the Joint Committee on Health and Children, I ask the Leader to arrange an urgent debate on the recently published report by the Seanad consultation committee on lifestyle changes which could prevent one third of cancers. This short and snappy report highlights some interesting statistics, for instance, that 1,200 cancers per annum are caused by alcohol, one third of all cancers are caused by tobacco use and more than 300,000 children are either overweight or obese. It is a fine report which outlines significant changes people can make to help improve their health.

Labelling has become a prominent issue in news reports due to developments in the meat industry. It is imperative that alcohol products carry health warnings on the potential for alcohol use to cause cancers. A debate on the committee's report would allow the House to examine the use and abuse of alcohol in this country. Many people are in favour of the introduction of minimum pricing and a structural separation of alcohol from other products in some of the large multiples. This would require people to make a clear choice to purchase alcohol as distinct from having it readily available on shelves throughout a store. The report is significant and the committee involved is to be complimented. I ask that the Leader to bring it before the House as a matter of urgency in order that all Senators can contribute to a debate on the issue.