Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have quite a bit more, as many other colleagues raised issues that deserve a response. I will deal with the issues unless colleagues want me not to respond. The role of the Deputy Leader is to respond to queries raised. Senator O'Keeffe raised the issue of the need for an independent inquiry into the death of Savita Halappanavar and there are issues raised on the evidence presented at the inquest.

Senator O'Keeffe also raised the issue of the young Senators event next Tuesday, 23 April, from 12.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. We should commend Senator O'Keeffe on the immense work done on initiating the proposal for a great event. Some 45 students from different counties will come into the Chamber to experience what it is like to be a legislator. The Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Fitzgerald, will attend and I know colleagues will be very supportive of the endeavour. All colleagues are invited to attend and I commend Senator O'Keeffe on taking the initiative.

Senators Mooney and Mullins also referred to the fodder crisis, which I have dealt with. Senator Norris referred to the Iona Institute submission to the Constitutional Convention, which he said mis-cited a report entitled Child Trends from 2002. The authors of the report placed a disclaimer on the front saying it was not to be cited in debates on marriage equality.

Senator Norris said that that organisation has communicated its concern to the convention that it was misreported or mis-cited in its submission to it. I share the Senator's concerns and I will be happy to pass them on to the convention.