Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is good news for the city of Dublin but few gave the new Luas line a great welcome today.It is amazing how good news goes untold in the Seanad but it is good to have it anyway. I will do that for the Senator.

Senator Reilly raised the issue of the HIQA Bill in respect of our hospitals. We all want our hospitals to be licensed and to provide the best of care to patients. We will have that discussion when the legislation is taken.

Senator Feighan also made reference to David Davis and Brexit. That has been well documented. A motion is going before the Committee on Procedure and Privileges and we will have a further debate on Brexit later in the term.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the issue of a leak relating to the mother and baby homes inquiry. It is distressing that the leak happened but I did not know about it until I heard his comments. I note his remarks regarding what the Taoiseach and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs said. I am happy to schedule the debate he seeks in the new year. I agree with him that the survivors, and their families and friends, should not have to read information in a newspaper or discover it on television or radio. My mind boggles as to how information such as that can come out. It should not be leaked. This issue concerns the lives of people who have been severely traumatised, and their integrity. I share the Senator's view. I welcome him to this side of the House as well. I hope he is coming closer to us and I wish him well in his new position.