Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House. I support Senator Higgins's amendment but seeing as it has not been moved, I will comment on how the section could be improved on in the terms set out in her amendment, in which she suggested the commission should submit a report on its activities as per the provision under the section but, in particular, that the commission should report its progress in meeting the gender, diversity and Irish language objectives set out in section 7. It is a specific reference to items on which the commission should report. This seems a sensible proposal and could easily be included in this section. It would be strengthened given we debated at an earlier date the need for gender, diversity and Irish language objectives. It would be useful to include it in the section by way of providing more clarity on what the commission should report about. Section 25(1) provides, "The Commission shall, not later than 3 months after the end of each year, submit to the Minister a report on its activities in the preceding year". It is a vague provision. Perhaps "vague" is the wrong word; it is a broad provision. It might be useful to include some specifics on what the commission should direct its attention in making its report.