Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)

I also welcome the fact that Thursday provides an opportunity for the debate on the barbaric practice of symphysiotomy. We have been pressing for this debate for some time. However, there is a problem with the Dáil sitting when no Ministers are present and there is no opportunity for oral questions, Topical Issues or votes. One must question the value of such a sitting. Surely some Ministers will be in the country to step into the breach and make themselves available to answer questions tomorrow.

See this speech in context