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Seanad
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Moorhead leak and local government

Summary

The Leader criticised the leak of the Moorhead report, said planned statements on local government would be moved to next week, and promised a future debate on sustainable transport and cycling.

Senators Boyhan and Davitt referred to the leaked Moorhead report. I suggest that the person who leaked the report to RTÉ today did a disservice to everybody. It should not have been leaked at all. I watched the Minister at the committee. I heard some of the proceedings. I intended to have statements on local government today, but now they will be held next week.

Senator Devine spoke about sarcoma, which is probably the second most important issue to be raised today. She could legitimately call a vote on having the Order of Business amended. As she knows, I have met people who are involved in the campaign. What is happening is unacceptable. There is a need for clarity from the St. Vincent's hospital group. My information, which is subject to clarification, is that an interview process is beginning. It is a pity that what happened occurred in such an unfortunate manner. I refer in particular to the late refusal or rejection of the position by a particular candidate and to the non-offering of the position to the person who was in the post. I am not familiar with what is going on, but it is unacceptable. I will endeavour to get the Minister to come to the House to debate this important matter. I have a better sense of the situation since I met some of the people involved.

Senator Byrne raised the issue of University Hospital Limerick. Again, it is about ensuring the supply of beds is increased.

Senators Ardagh and Bacik spoke about the importance of cycling. It is important that we understand that cyclists in our cities, especially in our capital city, have rights and should be treated with courtesy and respect. The law should be upheld. We have had a very tragic death recently. We extend our sympathies to the families of the person who died.

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I was nearly killed when I took some exercise around the city.

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I will be happy to have the Minister come back to the House in the near future for a debate on sustainable transport and cycling.

I do not have the information that Senator Bacik is seeking on the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (Gender Pay Gap Information) Bill 2017. I will endeavour to get it as soon as I can. I commend everyone involved in this morning's Dress for Success event, at which the Taoiseach spoke.

Senator Gallagher raised the important issue of mortgage rates. We will endeavour to have a debate on this important matter.

I know I am going to incur the wrath of Members again - I do not mean to sometimes - as I respond to what Senator Craughwell said about this country's efforts to get a seat on the UN Security Council. We should look beyond the populist narrative of a headline.

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