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Seanad
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Finucane inquiry and defence amendment

Summary

The Leader said justice was needed for the Finucane family and repeated the point that electioneering conduct matters. The Chair then dealt with Senator Craughwell’s amendment on the emergency air ambulance debate, and the Leader said he was offering the Minister of State for Defence.

Senator Ó Donnghaile raised the issue of the Finucane inquiry. We all agree on the need for justice for the Finucane family in regard to the death of Pat. The Senator also spoke about the electoral contest in the North of our country. Similar to the remarks expressed by Senator O'Sullivan around the body politic, those who engage in electioneering, regardless of their colour or hue, should remember that what we say and do and how we carry on during election campaigns matters.

Senator Conway made reference to the issue of Community Sponsorship Ireland supporting refugees in our country. It was a very important briefing although, alas, I could not be present. I am happy to have a debate on the matter.

Senator Mullen again raised the issue of Cuisle, which has been raised by many Members in recent weeks, in particular Senator Hopkins. Senator Mullen spoke about the decision which was made by the board of the Irish Wheelchair Association. There is a meeting of the Joint Committee on Health this Thursday to discuss the matter. Whatever one's viewpoint, there is a need, an obligation and a duty to support the concerns raised by the families and the service users. To be fair, from talking to Senator Hopkins, I understand the debate at Thursday's committee will frame what happens next. Arising from that, I will come to back to the matter again.

I have offered two dates to the Members who have requested amendments to the Order of Business and I hope they will find them acceptable.

Comment on this
Paul Coghlan An Leas-Chathaoirleach Fine Gael

Senator Craughwell proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That a debate with the Taoiseach or the Minister of State with responsibility for defence on the crisis in the emergency air ambulance service be taken at 6.15 p.m. today." Is the amendment being pressed?

Comment on this

I need to ask if the Leader is offering the Taoiseach on Thursday, given he is the Minister for Defence, or the Minister of State.

Comment on this

I think Senator Craughwell knows the answer to the question. The Minister of State was here already today, by the way, on a Commencement matter. To be fair, other Senators shared Commencement matters in previous weeks on other issues, for example, Lyric FM. I am offering the Minister of State with responsibility, Deputy Kehoe.

Comment on this

Then I will push the amendment.

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To be helpful, Senator Wilson made the comment about the Taoiseach. The Taoiseach has been here every year since his election and it is my intention to put that request to him to come to the House. It may not be before Christmas but we will endeavour to have him come to the House as part of that.

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