Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senators Bacik, Healy Eames and Moran also welcomed the fact that HIQA inspections will now take place in facilities for children and adults with disabilities, which is to be welcomed by the House.

Senator Mullen and others raised the question of suicide prevention. Senator Hayden outlined that the national children's hospital is of paramount importance. It will commence in due course.

The Senator also spoke about new measures to combat homelessness. I will ask the relevant Minister to come to the House to address that issue.

Senator David Cullinane raised concerns regarding the business of the House. Similar concerns were voiced by his colleague, Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, last week when he asked why we were not sitting until noon on Wednesday. I had assumed Sinn Féin Members would know we were commemorating the dead of 1916, but apparently they were not. As I have previously stated, any legislation that is ready to be brought to the House is presented as soon as possible. Since coming to power in 2011 this Government has introduced a considerable amount of long overdue reforming legislation-----