Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I join my colleagues in congratulating former Senator Alan Kelly on his election to the European Parliament. Not only did he run a great campaign but he was, I think, the only candidate to have his own rap song, which I understand has become a cult classic on YouTube. I also congratulate the councillors who were elected lord mayor, particularly Emer Costello, the new lord mayor of Dublin. I concur with other Senators on the need for local government reform to ensure real powers for people in those offices.

I support Senator Fitzgerald's call for a debate on the cancellation of surgery in Crumlin children's hospital and the effect of the cutbacks there. Two weeks ago I had the privilege of meeting mothers, who are involved in the magic mum group, of children who are seriously ill and awaiting surgery in Crumlin. These mothers told me in great detail their heartbreaking stories of surgery being delayed or postponed due to cuts. I understand from them that even before the announced cuts, services in Crumlin were seriously inadequate for the level of injuries and chronic illnesses presenting. This hospital is the national centre for very sick children and it is wrong to make cutbacks in such a centre when services were already inadequate. I wrote to the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, and the head of the HSE, and I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on this issue.

I ask the Leader to indicate whether the legislation promised by the Green Party will be introduced before the end of this term. I refer in particular to the climate change Bill and the civil partnership Bill, which will presumably form part of the review of the programme for Government which the Green Party has sought. These Bills are long overdue——