Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

In the spirit of commemorations, I have asked the Leader to commemorate in June this year the 750th anniversary of the first parliamentary gathering in Ireland, held in Castledermot, County Kildare. It is referred to on the Oireachtas website and colleagues interested in commemorations may be interested in it.

Senator Mark Daly called for a debate on emigration. The job creation figures which have been referred to in the House many times are positive and contradict the Senator's assertion that the welcome downturn in unemployment is due to emigration. It is not; there is net job creation.

Senator Catherine Noone referred to a visit by the Pope and called for a debate on the provision of GP care for those under six years of age. We will have a debate on the legislation. Public consultation has been scheduled for Tuesday, 6 May. Senator Katherine Zappone has communicated with us about that event, on compliance with international human rights instruments, particularly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and all colleagues are encouraged to attend. I do not think we will have time before the summer recess to engage in another public consultation exercise which takes time to set up.

Senator Catherine Noone also mentioned the Irish Dairy Board. We might invited the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, to speak about the positive figures from the board and the possibility of finding new markets for our dairy exports.

Senator Mary Anne O'Brien referred to fluoridation. I have dealt with the matter of water charges. We can ask the Minister to come to the Chamber to discuss the issue. The Senator welcomed the fact that there was to be a review of fluoridation, an issue on which we had a full debate in response to a motion tabled by Senator David Norris.

I hope we will have a full debate on the outcome of the review that has been announced, which again will be in the context of a transformation in the maintenance of our water infrastructure and the provision of water services.

Senator Walsh also referred to the motion, which I have dealt with. He called also for the Minister for Justice and Equality to come to the Chamber to discuss legal fees. The Government has taken action already, as the Senator probably will be aware, by not only introducing the Legal Services Regulation Bill 2011 which is progressing through the Oireachtas but also in requiring a reduction in fees when the State is the client. I am familiar with criminal legal aid and the fees in that area have been greatly reduced. Action has been taken already on this issue.

I wish colleagues a Happy Easter.