Alex White (Labour)

I have no objection to the House discussing the emergency funding for Greece today but in the current circumstances I would much prefer to discuss the position in Ireland. Given all the calls made on the Order of Business by Members on both sides of the House for debates to be held on issues of importance, I am curious to know why the Leader responded so quickly to the brief reference made by Senators Donohoe and Hanafin last week to Greece and why the matter is suddenly on the Order Paper today when there are so many other issues to be discussed. Senator Fitzgerald has mentioned that the issue of job creation requires to be debated. I wonder if this is intended to afford the Government an opportunity which it will grasp quickly to tell us that Ireland is not Greece. Presumably, that is the reason the subject is on the Order Paper today. I am surprised by this.

On a more agreeable note for Members on the opposite side, I ask the Leader to arrange as soon as possible a debate on the report published within the past hour on the constitutional amendment on children. I have been privileged to be a member of the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children for the past two and a half years, with Senators Fitzgerald, Corrigan and Feeney. The committee has produced three reports, the most important of which is being published today. It has the potential to alter radically the constitutional landscape of children's rights in this country. We should debate the report in the House at the earliest opportunity. I ask the Leader to place it on the agenda as soon as possible in order that we can elucidate and elaborate on what has been achieved at this important committee. The debate would also demonstrate the relevance, tenacity and commitment of politicians in the Houses on issues of concern and relevance to all citizens. Will the Leader arrange such a debate as soon as possible?