Lisa McDonald (Fianna Fail)

Will the Deputy Leader arrange a debate on the upcoming carbon tax and how it will affect those towns not on the natural gas grid? Industry in such towns will be put at a disadvantage if such a tax is introduced. There are pros and cons to the proposal, but it highlights the lack of joined-up thinking between Departments.

I note my colleagues raised the issue of domestic violence yesterday when I was, unfortunately, at a constituency meeting. A commitment was made to have a debate on the issue and I hope it can be held in the next 14 days, as it would tie in with the campaign of Women's Aid to have 16 days of action opposing violence against women.

I have requested a debate, as has Senator Bacik, on the participation of women in politics and the recent Oireachtas report on the topic. As of yet I have not heard when this debate will be scheduled.