Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I note that on the list indicated by the Government for re-introduction in the House the opening paragraph states that the Bills shall be proceeded with at commencement of the Stage each Bill had reached. With specific reference to the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2009, I recall the Taoiseach's party colleague, the then spokesperson on children, Deputy Charles Flanagan, the Labour Party spokesperson on children, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, and I in that role each had amendments presented on Report Stage that sought to ensure there would be after-care provision for children in State care when they reached 18 years of age. Do I take it that the Government, made up of both parties which were strong advocates of the point I have just shared with the House, is now going to return to the commencement of Report Stage and intends to present new amendments to the Bill as presented by the former Government and that this is now afforded to the Government by returning to the commencement of Report Stage? It is a hugely important matter and it was the key focus of each of the three Opposition voices on children's matters. If he is not in a position to give this absolute clarity in response to my question, I appeal to the Taoiseach to take it on board and ensure that it will be the case.

There is only one other tranche of legislation under the health portfolio in the list on the schedule, the Nurses and Midwives Bill 2010. The Criminal Justice (Female Genital Mutilation) Bill was published in January of this year but it is not listed. There was cross-party support for the Bill which seeks to ensure women and young girls would not be subjected to this outrageous abuse either here in this country or to be taken from this country and subjected to this outrageous practice. Will this legislation, which had the unanimous support of all voices in the House, be brought forward? Will the Taoiseach indicate that he is willing to bring it forward?

Last year, a Private Members' Bill was introduced by the Labour Party spokesperson on health, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, to ban the use of sunbeds by those under 18 years of age. Has the Government had the opportunity to agree further legislation in the health area and will this important legislation to protect young people be part of the programme?

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