Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support what others have said about Senator Colm Burke's Bill. Some 30% of all the Bills introduced in the last ten years were initiated in the Seanad. It is a bad day for the Seanad if we are unable to proceed with Bills. We can accept amendments because legislation will not be right on the first attempt, but we should investigate whether wires were crossed. It would be acceptable if there was a misunderstanding, but we need to get to the bottom of the matter.

I concur with Senator Noone in regard to obesity among children. We should give the Government credit for the Growing Up in Ireland survey and the other research that has been undertaken. The Growing Up in Ireland survey started in 2008 and the first tranche is now complete. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs launched the second tranche in December 2012. The survey revealed that one in four children are overweight. The Government is going about the matter in the right way by conducting surveys. A high percentage of obese children were in poor circumstances. This is related to what the Minister for Social Protection is doing in respect of child care and children's benefits. I support Senator Bacik in seeking an early debate on this issue.

I ask that a statement be issued on the survivors of the Bethany Home. I understand there are only 20 survivors, which is not a huge number. I ask that the redress scheme consider their case. We heard Archbishop Michael Jackson on the radio this morning. I am slow to say the church should be included but a debate is needed on all the churches and convents.