Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful to the Leader for clarifying that the Seanad will sit next Tuesday and Wednesday, no matter what happens elsewhere. I also welcome the fact that we will have statements on the Report of the Joint Committee of Inquiry into the Banking Crisis on Tuesday because that gives us the opportunity to read what is in the report. Having read preliminary reports of it and its key aspects, I commend all those who were on the committee for the immense work they put into producing the report. I commend to Senators an excellent article by our colleague, Senator O’Keeffe, in The Irish Timestoday describing the work of the committee and, in very fair terms, some of its pitfalls and positive aspects and the lessons it holds for the future. Many things are now clearer as a result of the report, in particular serious matters in terms of the behaviour of the Central Bank and the Financial Regulator, which, we are told, informed the Government in September 2008 that the six institutions covered by the guarantee were solvent. That is a critical finding. I look forward to the debate on Tuesday.

I welcome the publication yesterday of the first national maternity strategy, which many of those involved in maternity hospitals, the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, midwives and others have welcomed. This strategy will move in a very welcome fashion towards a non-hospital setting for childbirth and a stronger role for midwives in childbirth, where there are no complications. Women and midwives have campaigned for that for many years.

I also welcome the publication yesterday of the new skills strategy which will lead to 50,000 new apprenticeships being created over five years. That is critical to the continued strength of the economy and its growth. It will give new opportunities for many young adults in particular.

I know everyone will wish to note that peace talks on Syria start today. These will involve all stakeholders and take place in Switzerland. Everyone will want to join in hoping that those talks will achieve some resolution of the appalling war that has been going on so long in Syria.