Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

All of the women Ministers, at senior and junior level, are playing a key role in the development of policies and shining a positive light on the role of women in politics. I return to my point that it is an awful pity that we do not have President Clinton here on International Women's Day. What a signal that would have sent to the young women in the Visitors Gallery in aspiring to be the best. I will not comment further on that issue.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh again raised an issue related to the National University of Ireland Galway. It is primarily a matter for the university. In the context of the debate on gender equality in third level education and persons who are promoted or appointed or the roles of women and minorities, I will be happy to have such a debate in the House. It is a worthwhile issue to discuss and I support the Senator's call for such a debate.

A number of Senators referred to the issue of repealing the eighth amendment to the Constitution. I am not sure if Senators followed the broadcasts of the proceedings of the Citizens' Assembly or read newspaper reports on last weekend's meeting of the assembly, but it was a fine example of people engaging in the democratic process. I thank everyone who participated last Saturday and Sunday, whatever his or her views, and the members of the assembly who are deliberating on a very important issue.I challenge those who criticise the Taoiseach for establishing the Citizens' Assembly to look at the work that has been done, the papers that have been presented and the questions asked and answers given last weekend. They certainly underscored the importance of and the underlying need for the Citizens' Assembly. It is important to state also that there is not universal support among men or women for the repeal of the eighth amendment. I hope that when the Citizens' Assembly makes its presentation to the Government and the Oireachtas, we will have a very open debate in this House. As the person who chaired the hearings over six days in this Chamber and a number of days at the committee on the protection of life during pregnancy legislation, I can say this is a very divisive issue. For every person who is against there is another who is for. We, therefore, need to tread carefully in how we speak and act whatever our viewpoint is on the issue. Our language and the words we use are important. On a personal level, I hope we will put the issue to the people for their consideration and a decision on it in a referendum. It has been too long since the debate last took place in the public domain in the context of a referendum campaign. I look forward to that happening.

Senator Kieran O'Donnell raised the issue of beds in St. John's Hospital, a matter raised yesterday on the Order of Business when my information was that some of the beds had been closed temporarily. As far as I know, there are discussions under way between the HSE and the two hospitals. I hope the beds will be opened. I made the point yesterday and make it again today that there is a need to increase bed capacity in hospitals. I hope that will be done.

Senator Máire Devine referred to the Magdalen laundry site in Donnybrook. I am not familiar with it in the context of its proposed development, but I do share the Senator's view and agree with her about having a museum or an interpretative centre as testimony to the role women have played in Irish society. I would be very happy to support her in that regard and work with her to see it being progressed. It is something we should have. I have been in a number of presidential libraries in America and think we need something like them in this country. I am not sure about the site, but I would be happy to have a discussion with the Senator on the issue. She is right that there is a need for a museum - I think that is the word she used - although an interpretative centre might be better.

Senator Colm Burke raised the issue of the condition of apartments. I join him in saying there is a need to be more proactive in how we monitor and inspect living conditions in some apartments. He referenced landlords' responsibility, but tenants also have a responsibility. Some of the conditions I have seen recently are appalling. One would not be happy to see anyone living in such conditions.

Senator Paul Gavan raised the issue of apartheid in Palestine. He will be pleased to hear I met the Palestinian ambassador last week when I had a very good discussion with him. The Senator knows what my views are on Palestine, from which I have never demurred and I do not see any reason to change my opinion today. I will be happy to have the issue debated in the House. I am not hiding in any way my views on Palestine and Israel, as the Senator knows well. There is a need for a debate on the issue and recognition by the United Nations and world leaders of the state of Palestine.

Senator Fintan Warfield mentioned the UN committee's report. I will be happy to invite the relevant Minister to come to the House to discuss it.