Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First, I would like to say to the Corbett family in America that they are in my thoughts. I know the Corbetts well. The way the two young people, Jack and Sarah, conducted themselves over quite a long while is to be commended. I also commend Tracey Corbett Lynch, who is their aunt and stepmother, for all she has done for them over the last number of years. I am thinking of them during what has been a traumatic time.

I rise today because next week, on 14 November, it will be World Diabetes Day. We should have a debate on diabetes and related services, because it is something that so many people suffer from. Many people do not get the chance to get themselves tested. There needs to be more awareness about encouraging people to go and get tested and about the services that are available. I am a member of the cross-party diabetes group here in the Oireachtas. At our last briefing, people came from all over the country, and there is a discrepancy between services in different parts of the country. What might be working well in Dublin may not be happening in, for example, in Munster or what is happening in Munster might not be happening up in Connacht. There therefore needs to be a levelling and continuity of services and everybody deserves to get the same level of service. There is so much out there to help people. People can connect to their phone which will tell them when their blood levels are dropping. Not everybody is aware of those services. Other people have a pump, etc. I do think we should have a debate on this. It is a matter of awareness and encouraging people to come forward and be tested.