Regina Doherty (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It might be a good place for us to start. Let us have a look at the report and see what the recommendations were. I ask the Senator to contact the Minister for that one.

Senator Mullen talked about the meeting he organised this morning. I thank him and I think he is right. I do not know about sending it to everyone but he could definitely send it to me and to all colleagues. I did not have an opportunity to attend this morning. That recent court case in the midlands concerning women totally abusing other women really shocked me. In my mind, we nearly expect men to abuse women and, again, maybe that is a stereotypical image, which is wrong. However, we have a real, serious and growing issue in this country, and it definitely needs to be highlighted. I thank the Senator for that.

Senator Martin talked about East Belfast GAA Club, which was founded just over a year ago. Again, we can shine a light on the fact that Linda Ervine is a very calm, intelligent and respectful woman, and to acknowledge what she said this morning.

Senator Maria Byrne talked about the extra 100 neurology nurses needed around the country and I will certainly ask for a debate. It is shocking that eight are required in one setting that looks after one region of the country. I will try to do that as quickly as I can.

Senator Conway asked for a debate on the continuing saga of the ownership of the national maternity hospital. The recent announcement by the audit and risk committee certainly highlights some of the things that some of us have been saying for quite a long time, that is, there is no way that hospital can be built without it being in full public ownership and without us having full control over it. This is certainly the time for a new debate.

Senator Malcolm Byrne talked about the CAP payments system and the negotiations on CAP. The Senator is absolutely right. We cannot talk about sustainable farming from an environmental perspective without ensuring we have sustainable incomes for those people who work, love and cherish our land. I will organise that debate as quickly as I can.

Senator Dolan talked about Marathonkids Ireland, which is a great initiative and I wish them every success.Senator Crowe raised the issue of the 100,000 people, most of them young, awaiting driving tests. His idea of extending to weekend testing is a great one. I will send a letter in that regard to the Minister.

Senator Ruane asked for a debate on care leavers. I am happy to be able to tell her that a debate on children in care and thereafter is scheduled for 11 November. The Minister agreed to that this morning. I look forward to that debate.

Senator Boylan raised the issue of Merchants Arch and the announcement in recent weeks of the plans in that regard, which are ludicrous. Why one would knock down something that is so beautiful and precious to build something that is new and average is beyond me. The Senator highlights that there is need for stronger planning legislation and a better plan on behalf of Dublin City Council.

Senator Pauline O'Reilly spoke about last night's debate on succession, which was very welcome. She also raised the issue of maternity restrictions. I am mindful that we will probably have to continue to raise this issue on a weekly basis. Although everybody is singing from the same hymn sheet in regard to the removal of restrictions for one nominated partner in the maternity journey, it does not seem to be happening. Everybody says they want it to happen, but we cannot seem to put our finger on the person who is responsible for making it happen. We need to keep raising it until it does happen to show respect and solidarity to some of the women who came out yesterday. For those who did get the opportunity to go down to the protest yesterday outside Leinster House, it was a warm and emotional protest. The feeling was lovely, perhaps because there were many babies there. It was really lovely, but they do need all of us to support them. I thank Senator Pauline O'Reilly for raising the issue.

Senator Boyhan spoke about waiting lists. It is shocking that there was an increase of 66,000 in one year. I hope it was because of Covid and that it is an overlap, but it means we are right back to trying to catch up on catching up. I will ask for a debate on hospital waiting lists but I encourage Senators to continue to raise the issue even more regularly than once a month.

Senator Kyne spoke about European Carer's Day and his requests in regard to the budget, in particular for a review of the national carers strategy. Senator Murphy opened today's Order of Business with a request for a debate on childcare. It was also raised by a number of other colleagues this week. It certainly is timely. I have asked for that debate. I do not think it will happen before the budget but it will have to happen as soon as it possibly can.

Order of Business agreed to.