Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

He is a very astute, good public servant who has done a lot of work for the State on many issues and in many roles. I understand he has resigned.

Senators Conway-Walsh, Kelleher and O'Reilly raised the issue of family carers. I agree with them that the implementation of the national strategy on carers needs to be a priority in the Department of Social Protection. I hope we will have the Minister for Social Protection in the House to discuss that in the coming weeks. The Minister has agreed to come to the House on social protection issues ahead of the budget. If we can do this next week, I will be happy to do it because the issue of carers is an important one that we need to see addressed. Carers do a huge amount of work that the State could never do. These are our own family members and friends in our own communities, so I fully concur with the Senators on that issue.

Senator Kelleher raised the issue of John's Lane hostel. I understand from the agencies involved that alternative accommodation has been provided. It is an important matter that should be addressed. I hope that will happen in the context of the housing and homelessness issue. I know the Minister is working on his strategy and intends to bring it forward before the summer recess.

Senator Humphreys raised the issue of the eighth amendment and the role of Cabinet responsibility. The Cabinet is not taking a position on the Bill. I agree with the Deputy that the eighth amendment is a very sensitive issue and one we need to see addressed. The Taoiseach has proposed a citizens' assembly. The Bill will be brought before the Oireachtas, I am told, before the summer recess, which will provide an opportunity to have the debate Deputy Humphreys has sought. To be fair, the Taoiseach has never misled the House on his opinions on this issue.I share his view that the citizens' assembly is the way forward in handling this issue because it allows for the space for people to have that discussion. Cabinet members have collective responsibility, and there is no halfway house about that. The problem we have, however, is that there is no Cabinet undertaking or collective decision on the Bill in question.