Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Jim Walsh stated that the Oireachtas should be proactive in discussing the question of civil partnerships. Senator Bannon requested that the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment come before the House to debate employment and Senator Hanafin also requested a debate on the issue.

Senator Ross wished to discuss the Civil Partnership Bill. He wished the Bill would be debated and put forward a scenario he thought could help resolve this matter. We would be willing to discuss the matter and I look forward to seeing the Senator after the Order of Business.

Senator Kitt referred to global warming and hoped the debate on the Civil Partnership Bill would take place tonight. Senator Ulick Burke stated that 64,000 people have been denied medical cards since the last election. The Senator called for a debate on medical cards and the extension of the BreastCheck programme to the west.

Senator Coonan supported Senator Ross's proposals regarding the Civil Partnership Bill and Senators Norris and O'Toole indicated they would vote against the Order of Business.

Senator Browne requested that the Minister for Social and Family Affairs come before the House to discuss his proposals for lone parents. I listened to the Minister and thought he was extremely positive. He wants lone parents to be able to take part in education and employment without having their entitlements docked, which I thought was sensible. We will try to arrange for the Minister to come before the House.