Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, I should have formally congratulated Senator Aideen Hayden, who is taking over as the new Labour Party Whip. I thank Senator Susan O'Keeffe, the outgoing Labour Party Whip, and commend her for all the work she has done. I wish Senator Hayden well in her new role. I know that other Members of the House have spoken on this issue and thank Senator Wilson, in particular, for his kind words yesterday, which we appreciate. I will formally notify the Clerk of the Seanad of the change.

I thank the Leader for confirming that today's Committee Stage debate on the Ombudsman (Amendment) Bill will be adjourned if not concluded. I note that quite a number of amendments have been tabled, including some substantive Government amendments that will be introduced in the Seanad. The move was signalled in the good Second Stage debate last week by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin. He signalled then that the Government would table a series of amendments in the Seanad, which we welcome. Senator Barrett and I were particularly glad to see a change to ensure that the HEA would become a reviewable agency. Some important amendments have been tabled and I am glad that we will now have plenty of time to discuss them.

I note that it is five years ago this week that we debated the Climate Protection Bill 2007, which I introduced as a Private Members' Bill. I know that an ongoing substantial consultation process is being conducted by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, with a view to finally introducing a climate change Bill. It would be good to hold a debate here on the process of consultation and the process leading to the climate change Bill in order to achieve the best framework for climate protection in the forthcoming Bill.

I will say a final word on the Government's legislative programme. I am delighted that the civil registration Bill to legalise humanist weddings has been given a priority A listing in the Government's legislative programme. I hope it will be introduced here within a month.