Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I would like us to look forward to another historic occasion. We will have the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland in the House before too long and I know that we all look forward to it.

I ask the Leader to consider a debate on the proposed merger of the Irish human rights and equality commission in forthcoming legislation. The Oireachtas joint committee shall consider the proposed merger and legislation tomorrow and Thursday. There has been some concerns raised about aspects of the proposals and the need to ensure real independence and effectiveness of the new merged body. We could hold a debate here either before the end of the session or very early in the next one.