Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I thank Senator Quinn. I was aware of that. Senator Leyden and a number of Senators, including Senator Ó Murchú and Senator Walsh, raised the issue of Gaza. I have long been a supporter of the Palestinian people and have been quite outspoken on that issue. I agree the conditions for the people in Gaza under blockade are intolerable and that we should have a strong voice in support of those beleaguered people.

With regard to the flotilla, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is advising all Irish citizens against travel to the Gaza Strip. This is a general warning because of the danger. The Tánaiste has stated clearly in the Dáil that he has every respect and sympathy for the motives of the participants in the flotilla. While I am not sure if other Senators saw it, there was a report in today's newspapers that the Irish ship due to sail in the flotilla may not, in fact, be able to do so because there is a concern there has been some deliberate sabotage. Clearly, that is a matter which has just arisen.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames asked for the Minister for Finance to come to the House to speak about the consequences for Ireland of the instability within the European Union, with reference to the riots in Greece and so forth. That would be a very useful debate for us to have to look at a roadmap for the future and it may be something we can arrange in this term. The Senator also asked for the Minister for Education and Skills to come to the House for a debate on education issues. I am also anxious to have such a debate and, if time permits in this term, we will try to arrange it.

Senator Feargal Quinn raised a very important issue, a hotline for missing children, on which he was supported by Senators Labhrás Ó Murchú and Jim Walsh. This is a matter on which many of us have been approached and clearly there would be all-party support. Senator Jim Walsh asked if the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs could come to the House for a debate. It might be useful for us to consider an all-party motion, as we have done on other issues such as this, which we could then provide for the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. Even if she does not come into the House between now and the end of July for statements, we have made clear our support on the issue of a hotline. Perhaps Senator Feargal Quinn and other Members might do what Senator John Crown did in producing a cross-party motion on the situation in Bahrain and produce a motion that would carry some weight.

Senator Feargal Quinn also raised the issue of credit card charges, on which he was supported by Senator Jimmy Harte. It is an issue that could be discussed in a general debate on banking.

Deputy Tom Sheahan referred to the bonus culture and asked for the chief executive officer of the Environmental Protection Agency to come before the Seanad. This issue will be considered by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges next week as part of the debate on the Taoiseach nominees' motion on Seanad reform in order to be able to invite individuals to the House. Everyone expressed support for this idea and we have to look at how best we can do this. We also have to look at the mechanism of the petitions committee and how we can make it work. These are matters that will be considered by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges next Tuesday.

Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú also raised the issue of a missing persons hotline, as well as the gas pipeline blockade.

Senator Susan O'Keeffe asked for the Minister for Health to come to the House for a debate on health issues. We are trying to get him to come for general statements, but certainly we will have all three Ministers with responsibility for health matters in the House before the end of July to consider legislation.

Senator Jim Walsh raised similar issues to others and seconded Senator Mark Daly's amendment to the Order of Business on the NAMA Bill, which is accepted.

Senator Paul Coghlan asked for the Ministers for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the Environment, Community and Local Government to come before the House to discuss separate issues. These are debates we may be able to have this term, but, if not, they will be held early in the next term.

I think I have covered all requests. I apologise if I have overlooked any.