David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I have asked about this on many occasions and we have not received the response we want. If the Leader would sit down with us to have a discussion about these issues, it would be worthwhile and helpful. If we are not represented on the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, our voices will not be heard. This is the only opportunity we have to raise the matter.

I also refer to a commitment given by the Leader to ensure the duration of debates would be extended to three hours. According to the Order of Business, statements on child protection will only be taken for two hours. Will the time allowed be extended to three hours? This is an important issue and I am sure many Senators will want to make a contribution and be part of this important debate. I fail to see any reason the duration of the debate cannot be extended to three hours.

Like previous speakers, I am delighted Senator Ivana Bacik has said there will be a discussion at some point on the findings of the UN Committee Against Torture regarding the Magdalene laundries. We should go further; the House should unanimously endorse the recommendations made in the report. Its main recommendations need to be acted on. First, a formal apology should be issued to the victims; second, an independent inquiry should be held; and, third, we need to sing from the one hymn sheet and unanimously endorse the recommendations. If we are to have a discussion on this matter, we should examine the wider issues raised in the report. For example, it found-----