Dan Boyle (Green Party)

Senator Buttimer talked about the unemployment figures and the promotion of Ireland through St. Patrick's Day. He also referred to the carers strategy. The postponement of the carers strategy is based on the fact that the production of the document to date is far from satisfactory. It does not meet the future needs of carers and it needs to be considerably revamped. There will be a future document. I have no indication on when that will be prepared but I will try to get that information to Senator Buttimer.

Senator Feeney talked about the willingness of self-regulating bodies to hold fitness to practise hearings in public, commending the example of the Medical Council. We dealt with the Legal Services Ombudsman Bill 2008 yesterday. There were calls yesterday as well that we have a debate about regulation in general and a debate on that area might bring this point to the fore. The Senator repeated a call made several times that there should be a debate on eating disorders, which I will bring to the Leader's attention when he returns.

In line with the contributions of other Members, Senator O'Reilly made the suggestion, which may be something we must consider, that the structure of an anticipated debate on budgetary measures that are needed might have to take place over several days. I will mention that as next week's business is being prepared.