Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

----- and in hoping they will make progress in particular on the three issues Senator Daly mentioned, namely, on flags, on parades and on the past. Senator Daly also raised a number of other issues and I am sure there will be quite a range of issues discussed under those headings and beyond that as part of the talks. However, as all Members are aware, matters are at a critical point in respect of seeing the continuation of the Stormont institutions and it is critical that those talks proceed smoothly and achieve a resolution. In common with Senator Daly, I already have welcomed the Government decision on the hooded men case. I note it was responding to the European Court of Human Rights, not the European Union court and one should be careful in this regard.

I will pass over the Senator's range of other comments on the Government, given that there was a certain degree of selective amnesia in that regard.

Senator Paul Coghlan referred to the Belfast talks and wished all parties involved well. He has also pointed out that up to now agreement has alluded them and we very much hope this will change.

The Senator also spoke about the Finance Bill. As we will be debating the Bill today, I will not come on it further.

Senator Jillian van Turnhout spoke about the "Prime Time" programme on Áras Attracta and commented on the debate last night with the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch. She also informed the House, for which I thank her, that representatives of the HSE would appear before the Joint Committee on Health and Children next Tuesday to debate the issue and reminded us that any Member of either House could attend such a committee hearing. I welcome the news that the committee will be taking up the issue. As stated by the Senator, these are systemic issues. A number of issues arise from the "Prime Time" programme. One of interest to me as a member of the justice committee is the capacity legislation, on which that committee conducted hearings and published a report some time ago. I will seek an update on its progress, as it seems to be stuck somewhere in the system.

The Senator also raised the issue of funding for Childline, on which she was supported by many colleagues. She has pointed out that there is a real danger that the night service Childline offers may be closed and reminded us of the poignant and sad stories of children who seek the support of Childline at night and how important it is that they receive that support. She asked that I raise the issue with the Government and I will be happy to do so. Given the level of support across the House, I am happy to work with her in drafting a motion to which the Seanad as a whole could sign up. That would give more strength to the issue than my writing to the Taoiseach about it. Perhaps we might in short course get together to draft such a motion with a view to sending it to the Government early next week. As stated by the Senator, there is a precedent in this regard in the case of other issues. It would show the real strength of the Seanad if we were to put forth a cross-party motion on the issue.