Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With regard to the undocumented Irish, the Taoiseach will again raise the matter with as many politicians as he possibly can on Capitol Hill when he visits there for St. Patrick's Day.

I am certainly not privy to any private conversations between the Taoiseach and President Obama, but I am sure he will raise that matter again.

Like many others, Senator Whelan mentioned the situation in Ukraine. We have all been deeply disturbed by developments in Crimea in recent days and we urgently need to chart a way out of this crisis. As the Tánaiste has said, Russia's actions are a clear violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and independence and threaten to create a dangerous new division in Europe. If the Russian authorities do not de-escalate this crisis, the EU will take consequential action, including the suspension of talks on visa liberalisation and on a new economic agreement, both of which are priorities for the Russian Government.

I join the Tánaiste in commending the measured response demonstrated so far by Ukraine. It was agreed at yesterday's emergency Foreign Affairs Council meeting that the EU will move swiftly to freeze the assets of those responsible for human rights violations in Ukraine, as agreed at the Council's meeting of 20 February. The Foreign Affairs Council also agreed that the EU would lend its full support to an international assistance package to address the urgent needs of Ukraine, based on a clear commitment to reforms.

We are certainly confronted with an extremely dangerous situation and need to send a firm message to Moscow that its behaviour is totally unacceptable, while urging the authorities in Kiev to maintain restraint in the face of this provocation. There must be immediate talks before the crisis deepens further. The United Nations, the OSCE and the Council of Europe should all engage without delay. Moscow's concerns about the position of the Russian-speaking population in Crimea can be peacefully addressed through various channels, including the OSCE. This House would urge Russia to use the multilateral mechanisms which are available to find a peaceful solution. We must remain firm in our commitment to Ukraine's unity, independence and territorial integrity.

The European Council is to meet again to address this issue on Thursday. I will invite the Tánaiste to attend the House to address this matter and provide an update. I understand he is doing so at the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade today, but I will ask him to update this House also.

Senator Zappone referred to the celebration of international women's week. Like Senators Hayden and Healy Eames, she called for the National Women's Council's report to be debated with the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch. I will ask the Minister of State to attend the House for such a debate.

Senators Zappone and Crown referred to the situation at Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise. The 11 recommendations in the report on that hospital have all been accepted by the Government and will be implemented. The IMO's concerns were raised in 2006 and 2008. A team from the Coombe Women's Hospital is taking over the maternity unit in Portlaoise hospital. The Government has acted swiftly in this regard and has also ordered an audit of all staffing levels, including midwifery, in Portlaoise hospital.

This has been welcomed by all the families involved. I believe this can be seen as a robust and decisive response by the Government in this very serious matter.

Senator Zappone also raised the question of jobs for women. She raised it on the right day in the right week because we have practically devoted this week to jobs. We have statements on economic growth and jobs with the Minister for Finance today, we have a whole debate tomorrow in regard to apprenticeships with the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, and we also have a debate on the Action Plan for Jobs with the Minister, Deputy Bruton. This is an opportunity for Members who have concerns and questions in regard to the jobs action plan to attend those sessions and to make their points to the relevant Ministers.

Senator Zappone also raised the question of jobs for women. She raised it on the right day in the right week because we have practically devoted this week to jobs. We have statements on economic growth and jobs by the Minister for Finance today, we have a whole debate tomorrow in regard to apprenticeships with the Minister of State, Deputy Cannon, and we also have a debate on the Action Plan for Jobs with the Minister, Deputy Bruton. This is the time for people who have concerns and questions in regard to the jobs action plan to those sessions and to make their points with the Ministers involved.

I note the comments of Senator Norris in regard to Fitzwilliam Street and the ESB building. Of course, that is a matter for Dublin City Council to address. I honestly do not believe the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, told any porkies in this House under any circumstances in regard to An Post.