Annie Hoey (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I have a couple of issues I am going to try to fly through. First, I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Health to appear before the Seanad to discuss workforce planning within the health service. I know it sounds a little bit niche but I believe it is an issue that goes to the heart of many of the issues facing healthcare staff, most especially nurses.

As the Leader may have seen, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, INMO, at its recent conference launched a report on the experience of physical assaults against nurses in Irish hospitals. The statistics are really shocking. On average, seven nurses and midwives are assaulted in work every single day in Ireland. How we plan for future staffing levels in the HSE is essential to staff well-being in those settings. As a member of the Joint Committee on Health and the Labour Party's health spokesperson in the Seanad, I think it would be valuable to have a dedicated discussion in the Chamber with the Minister on this issue.

Second, if the Leader feels it is appropriate, I ask that she write on behalf of the Seanad to the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence and ask that time be given over at committee to discussing how Ireland could provide true and meaningful international solidarity to women around the world in the face of gender-based discrimination. I am thinking particularly of the women in Afghanistan, who have suffered terribly under the Taliban regime which has most recently directed that all women must now wear a full burka when outdoors, regardless of their personal wishes. I know the Seanad has long been a place where matters of international affairs have been given priority. I believe it was a group of Senators led by Senator Norris who set up the first foreign affairs committees. I feel, therefore, it would be appropriate for such a request to come from this House.

Finally, on a more positive note, I want to take a moment to commend the work of the international Dublin Gay Theatre Festival. Following a really considerable cut in its funding this year, there was a fear that the festival would not go ahead after 19 years in existence. Thanks to the hard work of the committee, however, the show did indeed go on with many plays happening all this week and last week. I have been to many already myself and there are plenty left in the days ahead. I really encourage any Members of the House who may find themselves floating around Dublin over the next few days to head along. I have programmes available in my office if anyone needs them. I want to take a moment to congratulate the committee, actors, writers, producers, set builders, the venue and volunteers for running an incredible festival despite all the hiccups over the past two years and the shortage of funding.