Susan O'Keeffe (Labour) | Oireachtas source

On World Cancer Day and despite all the challenges, I wish to pay tribute to the work of safefood and RTE who through the "Operation Transformation" programme in recent years have brought to life the idea of living and eating more healthily. It is a great community-based activity which in the true sense of public education encourages us to have better eating habits and to take more exercise. Some of us in this House, including myself, might benefit from such a transformation.

I ask the Leader if tomorrow at 10.15 a.m. he might lead the men of this House out to the Merrion Square gate of Leinster House because we are organising a photograph to encourage men to stand up against domestic violence against women. It is part of the Man Up campaign which was launched last year. As public representatives it would be terrific to see as many of the men of both Houses at the gate to support what can only be described as one of the worst situations we face in Ireland, the number of women and their children who face domestic violence every day. At any one time, 12,000 women are in situations of domestic violence. The support of the Leader and of male colleagues would be most appreciated.