Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators who raised issues on the Order of Business.

Senator Ardagh raised the issue of CervicalCheck and, indeed, we are all concerned to hear that women are having to be retested because of delays. I heard a doctor on the radio this morning and it is important that the word goes out from those in positions of leadership that CervicalCheck has saved an enormous amount of lives and that, despite the issues that are there and which will be overcome in the near future, it is important not to scaremonger, although that might be too strong a word. We should be factual in how we speak about CervicalCheck because to do otherwise instils fear in women. It would obviously be a good idea for the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, to come to the House to discuss the issue of CervicalCheck and let us know of any progress with the implementation of the recommendations of the Scally report.

I have no problem with the suggestion Senator Boyhan made about copies of the Order of Business. I am not in favour of all the paper we use and I would have thought an email would be sufficient. I have no difficulty with that and I will speak to the Leader about it.

Senator Conway-Walsh raised the issue of nurses pay and nurses are very hard working. The Minister for Finance has made a lot of sense any time I have heard him speak about this issue. We have agreed a pay deal with the entire public service and it is hard to see where the money is going to come from to pay more. There is a significant increase of about €3,000 for nurses in the pay deal. There are definitely issues in nurses' conditions that need to be addressed. The Senator mentioned the word "engagement" and that is key and there is engagement. Engagement is the only way forward and we all hope that any potential strikes could be averted.

Senator Humphreys raised the issue of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. I suggest that is another issue that the Minister for Health might like to update the House about.

Senator Reilly spoke passionately about the Autism Spectrum Disorder Bill and I do not see any reason that should not be before the Dáil. I will follow that up and find out the reason for that delay.

Senator Leyden complimented the 100th anniversary celebrations of Dáil Éireann and we all agree with him. His idea to have a permanent home for the exhibition is a good one which I support.

Senator Mullen raised the issue of the children's hospital. It is an issue we are all concerned about and the Taoiseach and the Minister have expressed their serious concerns. An independent body has been put in place to review these major cost increases and it would be a good idea for that to be discussed in this House in the near future.

Senator Butler raised the issue of repatriation of Irish citizens, the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and a case in his local area. I agree with the Senator about airlines because it seems that, when people are at a vulnerable point, airlines really slap on the charges. I understand it is a business and they have to make money. However, when there are difficult circumstances for people which, in the context of how many people fly, cannot be that common, airlines should be more supportive of individuals.

Senator Warfield raised the issue of nightlife in Dublin. I cannot say I was aware that many nightclubs are closing. I would not have thought we have any difficulty when it comes to knowing how to party in this city but the Senator raises an interesting point. Having acted as a lawyer over the years, I know how unnecessarily complex the whole licensing area is.It is an issue that we should debate. It would be interesting to discuss how we want to go forward as a society when it comes to our nightlife. I have seen many initiatives lately. I believe a bar that is opening on Capel Street in the near future will sell non-alcoholic beer only. There are ways for us to party and have fun without necessarily loading ourselves-----