Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

Last week Senator White called for a debate on the care of, and services for, the elderly. Since then, we have received a fine report from the National Economic and Social Forum. It would be appropriate to set aside time at the earliest possible opportunity to debate the issue of the elderly in Ireland. The figures presented in the NESF report indicate that Ireland is at the bottom of the league of expenditure on the elderly. We must redress the imbalance.

I support the call from Senators Norris and Jim Walsh for a debate on the 1916 Rising. In advance of the Taoiseach's announcement I had requested a motion on the Adjournment calling for a debate on how Ireland celebrates the 1916 Rising. We should attempt to do so in an inclusive and open fashion.