Leader’s responses to requests
The Leader outlines follow-up on requested debates and legislation, including employment equality, Seanad reform, nursing retention fees and international affairs.
Senator Thomas Byrne mentioned retention fees for nurses. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Health who I am sure is aware of it.
Senator Michael Mullins and Martin Conway mentioned the visit to be made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to the USA, especially in the context of the undocumented Irish, on which they sought a debate. I know that the Minister intends to come to the House in the next couple of weeks to update us on the situation in Syria and Iraq. I am sure we will be able to include a report on his visit to the USA during that debate.
Senator Mary White mentioned paternity leave. She brought forward a very laudable Bill and I am delighted to say the relevant Minister intends to proceed with a Bill on the issue.
On the issue of breast screening for women aged between 65 and 69 years, I agree totally with the Senator. I think the Minister for Finance has indicated that when finance becomes available, such screening will be one of the issues which will be attended to, rightly so.
Senator Mary Moran commended the disability group in Trinity College Dublin. She also raised the matter of petrol stretching, a matter which has been raised by a number of Members in the House in the past few weeks.