Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Senator Marc MacSharry referred to the answer to a parliamentary question in the Dáil yesterday on the promised review of maternity services nationally. I saw the headline, but I am not sure what is the status of that report. I will be happy to ask the Leader to arrange a debate on maternity services and whatever review is taking place. I can check its status. I was concerned to see the headline on the delay in establishing the expert group, as I understand it. Following the tragic death of Savita Halappanavar, we had all hoped a proper review of maternity services nationally would be carried out.

The Senator also called for a debate on the local property tax. Such a debate was sought by Senator Darragh O'Brien yesterday. I have already asked the Leader's office to secure a debate on it, in particular the role of local authorities.

Senator Paul Coghlan referred to the fall in the unemployment figures. It is extremely welcome to see a fall of 1.7% in the standardised unemployment rate compared to the figure for last year and a fall of 4.4% in the number of long-term unemployed. That means that we have witnessed a decline in unemployment in two successive years. This is very welcome, although clearly much more needs to be done.

The Senator also welcomed the Taoiseach's visit to Germany today and the work he will be doing there in encouraging greater trade links with Germany. We all welcome this work.

Senator John Crown asked for a debate on the local property tax. As I said, I have already sought such a debate.

The Senator also requested that No. 11 on the Order Paper, Defamation (Amendment) Bill, be taken before No. 1. I am happy to agree to that amendment.