Responses to outstanding matters
The Leader reiterates support for Irish products, says bullying can be debated after the action-plan report, and confirms that the unanimously approved Private Bills motion will be put to the House.
If the Senator had been listening on the previous occasion this issue was raised, he would have heard me read all the criteria.
I will speak about the toothpaste now.
Comment on this
In that case, I will keep quiet.
Comment on this
It behoves us all to support Irish produce and manufacturers this Christmas.
Senator Jim D'Arcy referred to an important report on the action plan on bullying. The House may have a further debate on the issue once the report has been published.
On the issue to which Senator Barrett referred, it was the unanimous decision of the joint committee, on which both Houses are represented, to accept the motion. While I appreciate the Senator's position, the matter was deferred until this week. The decision by Members of both Houses was unanimous and I will put the motion to the House immediately after the Order of Business.
Senator Susan O'Keeffe called for a public inquiry into the death of Savita Halappanavar, while Senator Crown called for the inquest into Ms Halappanavar's death to proceed as soon as possible. Two investigations into her death are ongoing and it is everyone's wish that the inquest take place as soon as possible. As Senator Crown stated, it may pre-empt some of the current investigations.
Senator Ó Domhnaill referred to the report of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland on the role of RTE and the media in the presidential campaign. I will try to arrange to have the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, come to the House to discuss the matter early in the new year.