Order of Business amendment
Senator Boyhan proposed that No. 2 on the Order of Business not be taken, and the Chair clarified and put the amendment to him. He then also raised concerns about mother and baby homes redress and the Seanad’s future role in the issue.
I wish to raise two things. I would like to ask that No. 2 on the proposed Order of Business before us today is not taken. I do not want to get into the detail of it. I would like us to have more reflection and consideration with the Leaders and the Whips. That is the simple proposal I would ask. I would hope we can get-----
Comment on this
I propose an amendment. I would hope we can get a consensus on it.
Comment on this
Yes. I am proposing that No. 2 not be taken today.
Second, on the mother and baby homes redress scheme, I met a few people here yesterday who had been sitting in the Gallery and were totally devastated when they left late last night. We will have an opportunity to discuss this issue again. I commend Deputies Boyd Barrett and Cairns on their moving pieces on “Morning Ireland” this morning. They covered many of the issues. We in the Seanad are an advising Chamber. In time, when the process is finished in the Dáil, it is to be hoped we will have regard to the wonderful work the committee on children has done and the engagement in this area. I would hope we would come together and see whether we can in some way make some proposals based on some of the amendments that came to the Dáil. I say that in a constructive way. I do not doubt anyone in this Chamber. Let us shine our star with this legislation. I commend it to people to tune in on the playback to RTÉ’s “Morning Ireland” this morning.