Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Many of us who were elected to this Seanad conducted our campaigns during the early stages of the pandemic and, indeed, during lockdown. As we now convene and start our work, many months later, the virus is still very much with us. While we may be very happy that the curve has been flattened in Ireland, there are many, including myself, who have concerns about the pace at which we have opened up certain aspects of business and about some of the decisions taken as to the speed at which we are attempting to return to normal business. We need to be very cautious and to keep the impact of these decisions under review.

I note that, as was mentioned by the previous speaker, we have an awful lot of very important work to do. The fact that this pandemic and crisis are under way means that we have more work to do and that we have to pay more attention to what we do. The work of the Seanad is extremely important in that regard. It is important that each of us hold to full and appropriate scrutiny all legislation and all issues relating to Covid.

In that regard, I notice that in the Order of Business, the Leader has suggested that we start the day with the Order of Business. This follows a proposal from last week's Order of Business that Commencement matter debates be discontinued. Commencement matter debates are the mechanism by which we, as Senators, can hold Ministers to account on specific issues of concern. I hope the Leader will assure the House that, if formal Commencement matter debates are not to take place for the next few weeks and if we are not to have the resource of parliamentary questions available to those in the other House, mechanisms will be put in place to assure us, as Senators and public representatives, that we will be able to get answers to crucial questions. During this four-month period, many of us have been writing about key issues of policy. For example, I have been writing about the availability of personal protection equipment for those in the community and voluntary sector, the provision of public sanitary facilities and the rotation schedules for hospital workers. All of these issues relate to Covid but, in some cases, it has been difficult to get responses.Recognising that we are suspending Commencement matter debates for a brief time, perhaps the Leader might be able to assure us that there will be other mechanisms by which we can do our parliamentary work and address issues of great concern.