Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, that No. 11 be taken before No. 1, in order for me to introduce my Bill entitled the Public Health (Antacid Products) Bill 2024. The Bill proposes that warning notices be displayed in places that are selling and supplying antacid products. It is a vital warning, I would submit, concerning the danger of prolonged use of such products. Individuals should go to the GP to investigate the matter at the earliest. Unfortunately, over 70% of people in Ireland wait over three months before going to the GP with symptoms of oesophageal cancer, which include difficulty swallowing and ongoing chronic heartburn. Early detection of this cancer makes a real difference in survival rates. My own dad, Vinny, Vincent J. Martin, died from oesophageal cancer.

I welcome today in the Visitors Gallery Carmel Doyle and her team from the Oesophageal Cancer Fund. They do brilliant work creating awareness on a day-to-day basis. I hope the publication of this Bill today will trigger a conversation and shine further light on the work they are doing.

Recently, the Israeli Parliament voted to ban operations in Israel by the UN agency for the Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. If this transpires, it will turn a humanitarian catastrophe into a humanitarian apocalypse. Before our very eyes, Gaza is now an industrial-scale death camp. What we are witnessing in the Middle East is one of the purest forms of evil. What I mean by that is an evil which shows no respect at all for human life. Some people, and they are not just on one side, believe they can slaughter innocent men, women and children for the sake of their objectives. The events of 7 October last year triggered this spiral of death. That event was also evil. Murder is murder, genocide is genocide, hatred is hatred. There is no such thing as a greater evil. Evil is evil. The completely disproportionate and barbaric response to the horrific events of 7 October is utterly reprehensible.The evil deeds of today will contaminate generations to come with a deep and frightening hatred. Those seeds are being sown right now. We will reap the whirlwind for generations to come.

Finally, I will mention the record-breaking sports announcements a few days go. This Government recognises accessibility to sport, physical and mental well-being and community cohesion. I acknowledge the Green Party Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin, for what she delivered, especially for Kildare, that is, €3 million for the Sallins amenity lands - they worked so hard - and €1 million for improved facilities in Naas CBS. The fundraising committee there have worked day and night. It is volunteerism at its best, and at long last it is beginning to be recognised by this Government. I hope the next Government takes the next further steps in this vital campaign of community wellness and accessible sports for all.