Ivana Bacik (Independent)

Like the other speakers, I welcome the announcement that Senator Callely will make a statement following the Order of Business. As the other speakers have noted, Members require a full and comprehensive statement to resolve this matter. It has been a most unwelcome distraction in a week of serious political events both here and elsewhere and has served to bring all Members into disrepute. This matter must be resolved and the Cathaoirleach deserves an explanation as much as do other Members.

On the aid flotilla, as Senator Fitzgerald stated, Members must have a full debate on the issue tonight. In addition, Members must hear from the Minister on the issue regarding forged Irish passports. I commend the bravery of the Irish crew on board the MV Rachel Corrie and, as I believe will all Members, condemn the accusations made against them this morning by the Israeli spokesperson, Mark Regev.

On a completely different issue, I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to debate a highly important issue that has been overlooked in all the other dramatic events that have happened this week, namely, the issue of climate change and, in particular, the need for climate change legislation. As Members will be aware, in October 2007 I introduced the Climate Protection Bill which has been languishing on the Order Paper since. This week in Bonn, a new round of United Nations climate change talks began, which are aimed at securing international agreement on emissions reduction targets. Although the Government has promised that it will introduce legislation to set domestic binding targets nationally in June, Members still have not had sight of it. Consequently, I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that we hold a short debate today on the need for legislation, the Climate Protection Bill on the Order Paper and to hear what the Government has to say about its promised Bill that is long overdue. It is beyond time for Ireland to sign up to binding targets. This has been done in Britain and elsewhere and it must be done here this week as a matter of urgency, given the continuation of the United Nations climate change talks.

I note that a penal reform seminar is being held today on life after prison. It will discuss the issues of spent convictions and the difficulties prisoners experience in reintegrating into society. I ask all Members who are able to so do to attend that seminar after the Order of Business.