Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies. First, in respect of Deputy Bacik's point, I am not sure this always come across in our domestic debates on European positions but four posts are currently being considered in Europe - the European Parliament President, the President of the Council, the President of the Commission and the High Representative for foreign affairs - and the different political groupings at a European level are involved in that, including the Deputy's own group, the Socialists and Democrats. Based on the conversations I had yesterday, my understanding is the S&D group is very actively involved in these discussions, and I have yet to see any sort of red flags or opposition be raised by the S&D to President von der Leyen at a European level. The European Council will meet again next Thursday and Friday, when I hope the Council will be in a position to make a decision on a name to go to the Parliament, and then it will be up to each MEP, including our Irish MEPs, in a secret ballot, I believe, to vote yea or nay on whatever name is sent there. I am not sure, in all truth, whether the House will be able to facilitate a debate in advance of that, but I am open to it and have no difficulty with that.

In regard to the issue of the EU migration pact, I think there were some sensible suggestions from Deputy Naughten and others, and I do not disagree with what Deputy Mac Lochlainn said. There is no deceitfulness going on. We did say we would provide ample time on this. I think eight and a half hours are scheduled between today and tomorrow, from my recollection. What we are clearly saying today in the Dáil is that if time is running out tomorrow on the EU migration pact debate and if there are still people who have indicated they wish to speak, the Whip will come back to the House and make a new business proposal on the floor to extend the time. Every Member of Dáil Éireann, therefore, who wishes to speak on the pact will have time to do so. To clarify, anyone who wants to speak on the pact will have time to speak on the pact, and I think that is the definition of ample time, where everyone will have an opportunity.

On the issue of statutory home care, for that reason, it is unlikely there will be an ability to have a debate on the statutory home care scheme this week, but I am happy that we would facilitate a debate on it. It will not be this week because of the time we are passing over, but I am happy for it to be pursued. There is an update I can give to the House on a lot of the good work that is going on, including the legislative piece recently receiving Cabinet approval, but let us schedule that debate for as soon as possible.

Similarly, on the Women's Aid report, there is no difficulty from our perspective on having a debate on the work of Cuan, the Women's Aid report and our zero-tolerance strategy. Again, it is just that the timing will need to be agreed by the Business Committee.

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