Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will update the Senator on the matter. The HSE has established an expert panel which will examine and recommend the range of medical conditions that should be considered for inclusion as part of the process. It is chaired by Professor Frank Keane and has been asked to report to the director general of the health service by September. I gather swift progress is being made.

Senator Feargal Quinn spoke about the decision made by the Supreme Court yesterday in the Bewley's case. I have not yet had an opportunity to read the judgment, but I know that we will all do so with interest. It is a matter of profound regret that the Government has not moved on the issue of upward-only rent reviews. Clearly, as many colleagues have acknowledged, there has been different legal advice and the Supreme Court judgment is, undoubtedly, a blow to those who had hoped we could do something more about the matter. The House passed Senator Feargal Quinn's Bill in February. We all recognise the major imposition placed on small business by retention of these clauses, in particular. The Senator called for the Attorney General to attend and be heard in the House. I understand various requests have been made for the Attorney General to attend the House to deal with various matters. There would, of course, be constraints on what she could say, given that she is the adviser to the Government and gives confidential legal advice. That is a matter we can consider, perhaps when we have all had a chance to read, review and consider the Supreme Court's judgment.

Senator Michael Comiskey welcomed the Vodafone-ESB agreement on fibre-optic broadband services. We all welcome it.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh referred to a "Prime Time" programme broadcast last Thursday which I did not see concerning the tragic death of a six year old child in Connemara. I am sorry to hear about the case. I suggest it might be the subject an Adjournment matter since it involves a particular case. I understand the Senator also raised the more general issue of the role of the Medical Council. I will certainly ask the Minister for Health to come to the House to discuss the broader topic.

Perhaps that should take place after the appeal to the Supreme Court in the autumn which the Senator mentioned.
Senator Moran commended Senator Zappone and seconded her call for a debate on marriage equality, which I will seek. She also welcomed the announcement by the Minister, Deputy Reilly, of the ex gratiascheme for women survivors of symphysiotomy. Senator Moran has done a great deal of work on this and has spoken on it many times. I agree that it is a very welcome development. At last there is some justice for those women.
Senator Leyden raised the Intoxicating Liquor (Amendment) Bill. I simply agreed yesterday to the amendment sought by Senator Henry, as the Leader always does with regard to being able to introduce a Bill. I cannot say what inspired any individual to bring forward a Private Members' Bill; clearly, that is a matter for them. However, it is a good idea that we debate this issue. I think we should change our licensing laws to allow people to consume liquor on Good Friday. Easter is a huge tourism date for us and it would simply make sense of something anomalous. We could have a good debate on alcohol consumption generally with the introduction of the Bill. However, it is a Private Members' Bill so the scheduling of debate on it will be up to the Fine Gael Members to decide. I cannot say when it will be before the House. It was circulated yesterday, so all Members should have the text of the Bill.
Senator Jim D'Arcy called for a debate with the Minister for Education and Skills on progress on diversity of patronage, given the report published yesterday by the forum on patronage and pluralism in the primary sector. All Members who spoke last night in the debate on the education Bill with the Minister, Deputy Quinn, paid tribute to his great work in reforming the education system in many ways and, in particular, in seeking to ensure greater diversity of patronage and greater choice for parents in the type of school to which they send their children. I would welcome and will seek to have that debate. Senator D'Arcy also referred to the former Taoiseach, John Bruton, and defended his right to give whatever view he wishes on Pádraig Pearse. That is absolutely right.
Senator O'Donnell welcomed James Kirwan, a liver and kidney transplant patient from Shankill. I too welcome Mr. Kirwan and am glad he is on the youth advisory council of the new children's hospital. It is great to have people such as Mr. Kirwan on the council. We welcome the fact that progress is now being made on the hospital. Senator Eamon Coghlan referred to the progress being made and the fact that the Cabinet has signed off on the blueprint for the hospital. Construction will commence next spring and we hope the hospital will be open in 2018. With regard to the site, which Senator O'Donnell also mentioned, I was one of those who wanted it to be sited adjacent to the Coombe Hospital, a major maternity hospital in Dublin, but the St. James's Hospital site is very close to the Coombe. Senator Coghlan is right about seeking to ensure a maternity hospital is constructed alongside the children's hospital, but given that St. James's Hospital is such a major acute adult hospital, it is also very important that it be co-located there.
Senator O'Donnell also referred to the Botanic Gardens and encouraged all of us to visit Dublin's green lung. I am regular visitor and I agree with the Senator that it is a fabulous facility in the centre of Dublin.