Ivana Bacik (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to the House and I commend Senator Norris on proposing this important Bill, which I am delighted to speak in support of on behalf of the Labour Party. I commend and pay tribute to Senator Norris for his immense commitment to persisting on this issue. In the previous Oireachtas term, I spoke in support of the motion the Senator tabled on this same issue on 10 July 2019 in a different political, economic and health context. He has moved the debate forward by bringing that motion to the House last year and introducing this strong legislation.

I am delighted to support the Bill in both of its aims, including in its purpose of expanding the national newborn blood spot screening programme and in its provision placing the national screening advisory committee on a statutory footing. We addressed both of these issues in our motion last year. I was looking back at the note, which shows that motion was passed unanimously by the Seanad. I know the Government has put forward an amendment to the effect that the Bill would be read a second time 12 months from today. While it is a matter for Senator Norris as to what he does, it would be a shame if there was a division in the House-----