Seanad debates

Tuesday, 5 February 2019

An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

 

2:30 pm

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Gallagher raised the issue of CPR in secondary schools in Cavan and Monaghan. It is an important issue, which needs to be addressed urgently. We have seen defibrillators put in place in rural and urban settings. We need to set up a process whereby we can train more people, especially young people, in CPR. I commend all involved.

Senator Warfield raised the issue in The Times, Ireland edition, about anti-abortion protests. It is important we have a respectful implementation of the new law of the land. That requires respect for different viewpoints. It is disappointing that the types of activity referred to are being carried out. I know there is a debate during the week in the Oireachtas on these types of protest. I do not believe anybody should be allowed to protest at a maternity hospital or a doctor’s surgery. The dignity and privacy of citizens going about their business, for whatever reason, should be respected. Women who might be in a difficult or vulnerable position should not have to endure such barrages of protest. I will try to have the Minister to come to the House on that matter.

As I said last week, I thank Senator Humphreys for his patience concerning his requests for the Minister for Health to attend the House on the question of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. I also apologise to him. He has been exceptionally fair about this matter. We have endeavoured to have a debate on the matter in question. I hope the Minister met with the Senator. I will endeavour to have a date for such a debate tomorrow. If I do not, then the Senator would be quite right to put down an amendment to the Order of Business on this matter.

Senator Wilson raised a matter concerning the Defence Forces. We will have that debate in due course.

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