Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I remind colleagues that Labour Party Senators have tabled a motion on domestic violence for debate this evening. Senator Moloney will propose the motion and it will be seconded by Senator O'Keeffe. I hope we will have a good debate on the supports that are needed for the victims and survivors of domestic violence. Our motion is intended to enable a general debate while also homing in on specific actions that can be taken to ensure adequate supports and safeguards for victims and survivors.

When Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn was in the House earlier for a good debate on Horizon 2020 on the EU's commitment to innovation and research, Senator Colm Burke raised the issue of ovarian cancer. Today is the first annual world day for ovarian cancer, a condition sometimes referred to as the silent killer. We need to raise awareness about this cancer because 140,000 women die from it internationally every year. The survival rates tend to be lower than among those affected by breast cancer. In Ireland alone, over 370 new cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed annually. I have been asked by three charities, Ovacare, SOCK and the Emer Casey Foundation, involved in this initiative to mention that they are asking people to wear a teal ribbon. I have plenty of these ribbons as well as leaflets on ovarian cancer for anyone who is interested. A research project into ovarian cancer is currently being led by Professor John O'Leary in Trinity College Dublin and Dr. Sharon O'Toole, the senior scientist in TCD, is co-ordinating the day. I am conscious of other initiatives in breast cancer and testicular cancer but we should also raise awareness about the aforementioned condition in light of its serious health implications.