Seanad debates

Wednesday, 31 October 2007

12:00 pm

Photo of Cecilia KeaveneyCecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

I appreciate that.

Will the Leader ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs to come to the House to discuss the ongoing meetings of the North-South Ministerial Council regarding issues of mutual concern such as employment and access and mobility? The council is carrying out studies on mutual recognition of qualifications, including in the areas of health and education, the introduction of single tariffs by mobile telephone operators and the greater availability of public service information for people who wish to cross the Border to live, work and study. The council is also discussing mutual recognition of pensions, which is topical. Given this activity at North-South ministerial level, it is important that the Upper House be kept abreast of what is happening.

I commend The Irish Times on the arts section of yesterday's edition, which addressed the issue of music therapy. The Order of Business was amended, as the debate on suicide, which was due to resume later, has been deferred. However, will the Leader seek to ensure the debate on mental health and suicide is resumed? Anybody interested in mental health issues should read the article on music therapy.

Last week, I called on the Minster for Education and Science to come to the house to debate the issue of funding for child care, which should also refer to the content of preschool education. This issue is as relevant to the Minister for Health and Children and I welcome Senator White's call for a debate on this because it is urgent and important.

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