Student nurses and climate action
The Cathaoirleach thanked the Leader for the student nurses item, stressed the seriousness of trainee nurses' pay, and urged climate action to be kept on the agenda.
I thank the Leader for putting forward the Commencement Matter on student nurses' pay. I selected it because it is such an important issue. There are too many nurses emigrating because of their experience in our health system while they are trainee nurses and student nurses.
On the issue of climate action, I hope that we could include it on our schedule. I was at a foreign affairs committee meeting in the same week the Pope said climate change was a risk to humanity and the Pentagon said it was a bigger threat than global terrorism. If the Pentagon is saying that the issue of climate change is a bigger threat to humanity's existence than global terrorism, then we do have an issue.
Today is the International Day for People with Disabilities, and I thank colleagues for raising this issue.
Senator Ruane has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 4 be taken before No. 1." The Leader has indicated that she is prepared to accept the amendment. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed.