Lisa Chambers (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

At the outset, I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, namely, that No. 22 be taken before No. 1. I also join with the Leader's remarks with regard to the late John A. Murphy. I also want to extend our condolences on behalf of the Fianna Fáil group to Senator Paul Daly on the passing of his father, Seán Daly, to the Senator's mum and Seán's wife, Mary, and to the extended family. The funeral took place this morning. On behalf of our grouping, we extend our condolences to Senator Daly and his family.

Today marks the beginning of March, which is endometriosis awareness month. Members will be aware that this is an issue that I have long campaigned on and am very passionate about. It is very important that we have this month of awareness because we are trying to achieve a greater knowledge among young girls and women of what endometriosis is and how it can affect one's menstrual cycle, health and well-being.One of the greatest things we can do for young girls and women is to provide education, which will empower them to ask the questions they need to ask regarding their own healthcare. Endometriosis is one of the top four gynaecological conditions representing 80% of referrals to gynaecology departments. It is a significant issue affecting one in ten women throughout the world and, therefore, 10% of women and girls in Ireland are affected by this chronic condition. I join in supporting the Endometriosis Association of Ireland, which is running a month-long campaign of awareness throughout the country on its social media platforms to raise awareness of that condition.

We will have statements on the situation in Ukraine later. It is posing some very challenging questions for us as a country to consider. There has been a lot of conversation throughout the country about how we can help and stand, in practical terms, in solidarity with the Ukrainian people. As we speak, there are collection points across the country for clothing, food, baby nappies and baby food, but people are asking what is the best way we can help the Ukrainian people. Is it through donations to the Irish Red Cross? Is it working through our Ministers? Is there a proper channel through which to funnel that goodwill? We could do with some direction from the Government on what is the best way to practically help to get equipment and supplies to people on the ground as quickly as possible.

The visa waiver for those Ukrainians entering the country is welcome. It was disappointing it came when the flights out of Ukraine had stopped. That decision could have been made a little quicker. I cannot understand why there was any delay whatsoever. My gut reaction would have told me of course that we would open our doors and let people in. We left that a little too late. Better late than never, but we could have made it a bit easier to get people out of the country and get them here safely.

We will deal with the questions later regarding what the Ukrainian situation means for us as a member of the EU. I stand fully behind the members of the European Parliament whom I believe will unanimously pass a resolution calling for entry of Ukraine into the bloc as a member state. Some officials at European Union level are saying this may take years to happen. We have elected members versus officials. The elected members speak for the people on the ground. The view of most people is that Ukraine should be admitted expediently into the bloc. That would be good for all of us. We will come back to that later.