Leader’s response on abortion debate
The Leader condemns the Chamber’s disrespectful exchanges on abortion and says he will consider arranging a debate if Senators can conduct it appropriately.
I had better start with the final contribution about abortion, the repeal of the eighth amendment and lack of balance in the abortion debate on the part of the national broadcaster. I am ashamed of the exchanges I have listened to from all sides. The exchanges have not been respectful of or fitting in this House. If, as legislators, we behave in such a manner, I am reluctant to have a debate on the issue. If legislators behave in such a manner, what can we expect of others on both sides of the divide in the debate? I will think seriously about having a debate on the issue, but I hope that when that issue is decided on, we will have much more respectful exchanges than we have had this morning. It is not conducive for the House to put up with such exchanges in the run-up to Christmas or at any time. I, therefore, ask Members to be mindful of their remarks in the House. I am talking about Members on both sides, not on one side of the divide on the issue.
On the Order of Business, Senator Mark Daly made a number of wandering comments on various matters. We had better leave the American people to judge who they should vote for as President. It has nothing to do with us.
Senator Ivana Bacik referred to the resolution of the climate change talks and is hopeful they will be successful. We will have a debate on that matter in the future. We will, I hope, be able to do so in January.
Senators Ivana Bacik, Paul Coghlan and Catherine Noone referred the alcohol Bill. It will be brought before the House next Thursday.
On other legislation, Senator Paschal Mooney asked yesterday about the bankruptcy Bill. That Bill will also be brought before the House next Thursday. I am sure the Senator will be happy about this.