Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We will await the wording. As a lawyer, I could not sign up to anything, the wording for which I have not seen.

Senator Hayden referred to the resignation of the former Minister for Justice and Equality. The Senator also welcomed the joint campaign being launched today by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and Women's Aid called "This is not happily every after". It highlights the extent of sexual and domestic abuse in relationships. I join her in saying that we should all support the campaign. We have held some debates in the House on domestic violence and violence against women. The Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality is finalising a report on domestic and gender-based violence. We might debate it in the House when it has been completed. We have held quite extensive hearings on the matter.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh referred to the former Minister for Justice and Equality. He welcomed the incoming Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, and acknowledged her record on direct provision. I join the Senator in hoping that, as Minister, she will be very proactive on the issue.

Senator Colm Burke also mentioned the former Minister for Justice and Equality. He also raised the issue of the restriction placed on the Committee on Health and Children due to 25% of the health budget being diverted to non-Department of Health organisations, or organisations directly outside the remit of the committee. It might be best to raise the matter at the committee of chairpersons of committees, between the Chair of the Committee of Public Accounts and the Chair of the Joint Committee on Health and Children. Perhaps that has been done and, in that case, the matter should be taken up with the Minister for Health. It is also something that may change with the abolition of the HSE.