Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I note that the first matter on the Order of Business, a motion on the alteration of Limerick city's boundary, is to be taken without debate. Although I do not have a difficulty with that, I have not had an opportunity to read or discuss the motion. We never have difficulties taking referral to committee motions without debate because that is the appropriate way to deal with such motions and we always leave open the option of debating them on their return from committee. However, this motion pertains to a ministerial order laid before the Houses and could be subjected to debate if Limerick city is grabbing a portion of County Clare, north Tipperary or even a bit of County Limerick. The name of the town from which I come was grabbed by one of these orders. In that respect, it would be helpful for the people of Dingle to know when the Government's commitment to give Dingle back na trí ainmeacha atá aici, An Daingean, Daingean Uí Chúis and Dingle. When does the Leader expect that matter to be brought to a conclusion? I have no pressing need to discuss the Limerick city boundary but we might in future get a brief memorandum on such motions.

In the past 24 hours, there has been a certain amount of debate on the question of access to emergency contraception, also known as the morning after pill. We need to have a proper discussion on that issue to develop a clear understanding of what is available. As far back as 2001, the British Medical Association recommended that the morning after pill be made freely available in pharmacies. That is not the case in Ireland, where people have to get a doctor's prescription. That requirement appears to be unnecessary and the only reason for it is to avoid encouraging too much sexual activity. Other jurisdictions have addressed the issue by requiring that people of a certain age have to go through, for example, a school nurse to access the pill. Research on the issue by Imperial College London concludes that access to the morning after pill does not impact in any way on sexual activity. It is progressive and safe to allow access and I would like an open debate on the issue with either the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform or the Minister for Health and Children in the interest of making the pill available to people who need it.