Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I note SIPTU has said it wants to see commitments on jobs in particular, which is very important. Senator O'Brien also asked that the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, would come to the House to brief us all on the issue. I think that is very fair and I will ask him to do that as it would be most useful.

Senator Paul Coghlan welcomed the public consultation committee report on farm safety published today. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has been formally invited to the House to debate this report, which is a welcome one on a very important issue. We would certainly hope to have that debate very shortly.

Senator van Turnhout referred to the marriage equality referendum. I agree it was a momentous day and thank her for her kind comments. The Senator also sought a debate on direct provision, in particular that the debate on the report on direct provision, commissioned by the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, and the Minister of State, Deputy Ó Ríordáin, would be brought into the Seanad first. I will certainly look for that because it would be appropriate, given the huge work the Seanad has done on the issue of direct provision. I have asked for a briefing on this issue. I understand the report is at a very advanced stage and is due to be completed in the very near future. I hope we can have that debate before the end of this term.

Senator Barrett raised the issue of Aer Lingus. I cannot accede to his request to amend the Order of Business. I will ask the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, to come to the House once he is in a position to do so in order to discuss this with us. Therefore, we can have the debate on the deal. although I think it would be premature to do that today.

Senator Moloney asked for a debate on funding for schemes to support national organisations and asked the Minister for Health to come to the House. I will certainly look for that debate.

A large number of Senators spoke and I am conscious we will be here for some time if I am to respond to them all. Many of them have not stayed to hear the response. I did say, the last time I was Deputy Leader, that I did not believe we should continue to facilitate those who come in, often at the very end of the Order of Business, speak and then leave-----