Seanad debates

Wednesday, 22 November 2017

11:30 am

Photo of Maire DevineMaire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cyberstalking and cybersafety, especially for children, have become extreme. They are hunted down and targeted, and many young children are distressed and upset by this. Several of them, including some as young as ten, have died by suicide. We are dealing with it to some extent at the committee on children and youth affairs.

I want to raise statements on statements, following the topic raised by Senator Humphreys. Last week, we had statements on health, but the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, did not answer any questions posed on the recruitment and retention of staff in the health care sector. In her reply she said she would address all points raised via email or letter but this did not happen.

Last night, we debated Second Stage of legislation on health insurance and risk equalisation. Given the topical nature of this issue, with regard to the programme on RTÉ last night which I raised yesterday, it was surprising we had the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne. I know there are issues with getting Ministers to the House but we do not get any answers to the questions raised.

I wished to table an amendment to the health insurance legislation but I needed to do so immediately because all Stages of the Bill are being taken this week. I asked the Minister of State to address the question regarding the levies to be introduced in the legislation and whether insurance companies are monitored with regard to hiking up premiums. I was told this would be dealt with by email, but I did not have the time to wait for an email because I needed to table the amendment. Will the Leader consider a discussion on the effectiveness and usefulness of statements on statements?

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