Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I think he is trying to be supportive, a Leas-Chathaoirligh. Senator Noone also raised the issue of nutrition in hospitals and the issue of poor food being served. Many of us heard with concern the reports on malnutrition being a real issue. It was linked with lack of reference to good nutrition in the provision of hospital food. That should be raised with the Joint Committee on Health and Children, as it would be a good place to call in the relevant people and to have the matter discussed at length.

Senator Bradford called for each of the Ministers to come into this Chamber after serving a period of two years in government and give a report on performance. That is a good idea and I will certainly raise it with the Leader. The Leader's office has been trying to get Ministers to come before the Seanad on a regular basis to update us on aspects of their brief, in particular to respond to issues that Members have raised such as suicide prevention, health care reform or mortgage arrears. We have had quite regular debates with different Ministers in this House. Senator Bradford is calling for that process to be formalised so that Ministers will come to the Seanad on a very regular basis. We can certainly try to do that.