Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Will the Taoiseach consider asking the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to attend the House to discuss the mother and baby homes commission? The State is defending in the High Court the commission's report. At the same time, the Minister is saying that he believes survivors and that an independent review should be done. We need to know which is the position. The Government is talking out of both sides of its mouth on this matter. Time must be set aside for the Minister to answer questions because survivors need clarity about what is happening.

The time given for the climate Bill and the guillotine on the Bill are inappropriate. The rush to get this Bill through is undemocratic. We had 230 amendments last week, none of which was taken. There has been an inordinate rush to get this legislation through. While I understand its importance, we need to have a discussion on it and people's voices need to be heard. I ask that more time be given for the Bill.

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