Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join Senator Marc MacSharry in calling for clarity on the activities of crisis pregnancy advice centres, an issue I too raised when it came to light last November. It need hardly be pointed out that a crisis pregnancy is a time when women are at their most vulnerable and, as such, an investigation is warranted. In fact, it is difficult to understand why the audit is not yet completed. A thorough investigation must be carried out to ensure there is clarity regarding the type of advice being given to vulnerable women in these situations.

Abolition is not a popular word in this House these days, but I take this opportunity to welcome the abolition of mobile telephone roaming charges, which the European Parliament has committed to implement before the next European elections. I and other Senators have raised this issue in the House on numerous occasions. Many people have found themselves out of pocket because they were not aware of the rate at which costs were accruing, whether in the North, in Europe or elsewhere. It is particularly important that people who move regularly between this State and the North should have clarity on this issue. As such, I welcome the undertaking to resolve the matter in the very near future. It is an excellent proposal from the perspective of consumers in this State and will also benefit tourism.