Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

At a time when we are discussing the loss of the Ukrainian people's sovereignty, it is ironic not to recognise the fact that this Government, through the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach, have regained the sovereignty of this country. We have exited a bailout programme and are creating jobs at a rate of 1,000 per week. It is ironic that Sinn Féin is discussing opinion polls when the only opinion poll about which most unemployed people care is whether they have a job or are in receipt of social welfare.

I agree with my colleague, Senator Whelan, that we should have a debate on Ukraine. It is one of the most serious issues facing the EU. We have not faced anything like it since the break-up of the former Yugoslavia. It merits a debate. One of the saddest points was Sarah Palin being hailed as some kind of oracle on foreign policy because, some time ago from her home in Alaska, she predicted an invasion of Ukraine in the same way that the Russians invaded Georgia. This House needs to hold a more serious debate on the matter.

Will the Leader arrange for a debate on the National Women's Council of Ireland's report, "A Parliament of all Talents: Building a Women-Friendly Oireachtas", which is being launched as we speak? The report contains many elements that need to be debated. There has been a great deal of progress on legislating to encourage political parties, which are the main gatekeepers of the Oireachtas, to choose women candidates. However, more needs to be done. We in this Chamber need to examine the way we do business. Through the Leader, we need to feed up the line that we do not want to have little to do for a couple of weeks, only to be snowed under with legislation at the end of the year. Sitting until midnight or 1 a.m. is ridiculous. I hate to say it, but we all have homes to go to. There should be more reality when it comes to doing business.