Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

In that context I very much welcome the decision we took on the justice committee last night to seek to include certain matters in the terms of reference of the commission of investigation. We have written to the Taoiseach today in that regard. That decision was agreed by almost all the members on the committee.

I welcome two issues which emerged yesterday. The first is a very welcome fall in the unemployment rate to 11.8%, and the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, has pointed out that this is the lowest rate of unemployment for five years. Although the rate is still too high, it is now just below the EU average, which is very welcome. I also welcome the publication of the universal health insurance White Paper yesterday and the debate in which people are becoming engaged that concerns the proposal to reform the health system by introducing universal health insurance. It is an historic move and this Government should be very proud of it.