Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

We all take on board the points raised by the Senator. I am not sure that this House is the appropriate forum but I can ask the Leader if we can facilitate a debate. I suspect it might be a matter that will go to the relevant committee.
Senator Keane extended best wishes to Senator Norris. She also paid tribute to the former Minister for Justice and Equality and his staff. She pointed out the interesting gender breakdown that has arisen as a result of the appointment of the former Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to her new Department. The Senator noted that the Attorney General, the Chief Justice, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the acting Garda Commissioner are now all women, along with the Minister for Justice and Equality, and of course the Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, Deputy Kathleen Lynch. The Chief State Solicitor and State Pathologist are also women. Many women have been appointed which can only be a positive thing. Of course we wish their male colleagues the very best, including the new Minister, Deputy Charlie Flanagan.
Senator O'Keeffe referred to Senators Norris and Harte and we wish them our best. She also gave recognition to the former Minister, Deputy Shatter. She drew our attention to a new website for teenagers interested in politics that has an interesting title. I am sure we all will check it out but it is called oblivious.ie. I had forgotten about my comments on Lady Gaga but it just goes to show that one must be careful when giving interviews as to where they might end up.
Senator Daly welcomed the appointment of the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, to her new portfolio. He also spoke about whistleblowers. The legislation on the protection of whistleblowers is going through the House.
Senator Walsh referred to the resignations. He also referred to the appalling abductions by Boko Haram in Nigeria. He may not be aware that the matter was raised by a number of colleagues on the Order of Business yesterday. Following the Order of Business, the Leader and I drafted a cross-party motion on the issue. It has been listed on the Order Paper for next Tuesday and will be taken by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The text will be circulated to all colleagues in advance.