Dan Boyle (Green Party)

No. 1 on the Order of Business is a motion on the reappointment of Ms Emily Logan as Ombudsman for Children. The motion is being taken without debate. The House has a considerable amount of pressing business to complete as we approach the end of the session. There is unanimity that the Office of the Ombudsman for Children is doing a good job. It would be worthwhile to hold a debate on the role of the office, given the issues surrounding child welfare. I ask the Leader to consider arranging such a debate.

While it appears discussions in Copenhagen may not reach a conclusion this week, we all hope some progress will be made. It would be in the interests of the House to review any agreement reached in the Danish capital in a debate early next year.

I share the concern raised by the leader of the Opposition, Senator Fitzgerald, about reports on a court case in County Kerry. On a day when we finally see individuals take responsibility for actions in the Catholic Church, we can no longer tolerate double standards and the mixed signals being sent about how we deal with the crimes of sexual abuse and rape. The House should record its concern about this matter. Legislative changes are needed to ensure the behaviour to which Senator Fitzgerald referred is not permitted or accepted.