Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I extend my sympathy to Senator John Kelly and his family on the death of his father. I cannot support the Fianna Fáil motion because I have agreed to vote with the Government in order to allow some of the Labour Party Senators attend the funeral. That is a fact. I know some of my group colleagues are also facilitating that.

In regard to the Bill on smoking in cars in which there are children, I understand it did not go to Cabinet as intended. Can the Leader advise as to when the Government will have its amendments ready to be considered by the House?

I wish to raise the national neurorehabilitation strategy. The long-awaited implementation group has been established. We have also seen a recent report which Senator Marie Moloney raised in the House two weeks ago on living with a neurological condition in Ireland and the survey conducted by the members of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland, which comprises more than 30 well-respected organisations. It would be appropriate if we were to have a debate in the House next week, being national stroke awareness week. In light of the death of former Senator and Deputy Nicky McFadden, it may be appropriate to have a debate about neurorehabilitation services in the community and the need for such services to be provided in the community.

We had the Louise O'Keeffe judgment at the end of January and were told that within weeks we would have the Children First legislation which will put child protection on a statutory basis. I ask this question because the UK is considering what it calls a Cinderella law which will ensure that emotional abuse and neglect will be included in the legislation. We had this debate when the heads of the Children First Bill came before the Joint Committee on Health and Children two years ago. While it was not included in the draft Bill, the majority of the NGOs, myself and other colleagues argued on the importance of including emotional abuse. It is important that child protection guidance in the State is put on a statutory basis. I know the Government agrees but I would like to see the legislation as soon as possible. As eight weeks is more than a few weeks, I ask what progress has been made.