Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Like Senator Marc MacSharry, I welcome the very positive report of the ESRI today on growth predictions and GNP. The institute points out that the latter is an underlying strength of the economy. I agree, however, that there are mixed messages on the adjustment it is suggesting should be made. It is somewhat surprising to see it suggest we should proceed with the adjustment of €3.1 billion in the budget so as not to have to make cuts in next year's budget. I greatly favour the reduced budgetary adjustment of €2.5 billion that has been announced. It is a better way of trying to secure increased consumer confidence. However, the report is certainly interesting and we might well debate it in this House, with the Leader's permission.

I support colleagues who yesterday asked for a debate on the direct provision system in the light of the reports of the inspectors on the centres in which asylum seekers are being held. There is genuine concern about the fact that 1,000 children are being held in conditions that are, in some cases, woefully inadequate in respect of food preparation, fire safety, cleanliness, etc. The reports make for a very distressing reading.

I welcome Senator Martin Conway's motion on Irish Sign Language which is to be taken in the House tonight. I hope it will receive cross-party support as this is a very important issue. There will be a good attendance in the Visitors' Gallery and I congratulate the Senator on introducing the motion.

I ask for a debate at some point in the coming months on the rolling out of universal health insurance and the ending of the two-tier health system. It is a key commitment of the Government. I attended a conference of the Adelaide Hospital Society last week, run by the medical school in Trinity College Dublin. At the conference I heard very positive reports from the medical profession on the steps that had already been taken in preparation for the rolling out of universal health insurance. The general public is not aware of what has been done thus far to further the Government's commitment. It would, therefore, be good to have a debate on the issue in the House to hear the Minister for Health tell us what steps have been taken to date.