Margaret Cox (Fianna Fail)

I am aware the issue of the rape case in County Clare was raised on yesterday's Order of Business. Many fine Senators spoke on the issue and the Leader acknowledged that and said it was important to have a debate. The time for discussion is over and we need to ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform what action he proposes to take. He must outline that action so that we know this cannot happen again. It is unacceptable that somebody can walk free with a suspended sentence when found guilty by a court. We must do something about that.

While I accept the Leader's bona fides in regard to a debate, I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that after No. 5 concludes at 9.30 p.m., we invite the Minister to the House. The Minister has nine hours between now and 9.30 p.m. and if that is not enough time, then this House has no jurisdiction and we might as well all go home. This is the most serious issue to face this country in recent months and we should give it the same level of importance we gave the emergency legislation on statutory rape. I would like the support of the House in this regard. I apologise to the Leader for tabling an amendment to the Order of Business but we can no longer sit back and talk without taking action.