Senator Bacik asks the Leader for a Debate on Foreign Policy

Order of Business

Wednesday, 23 November 2011

Senator Ivana Bacik: I join with Senator Darragh O'Brien in welcoming yesterday's announcement by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, of an inquiry in the Fr. Reynolds case. It is good that all Members acknowledge that such an inquiry needed to be established.

Regarding Senator Darragh O'Brien's call for a pre-budget debate, there was one yesterday with the Minister for Public Reform and Expenditure, Deputy Howlin, on the capital infrastructure programme. The Minister, however, was not treated with the greatest respect by the other side of the House with interruptions during his opening statement-----

Senator Darragh O'Brien: I was here and did not interrupt him once.

Senator Ivana Bacik: Of course, we all disagree across the floor of the House and we, when in opposition, had disagreements with Fianna Fáil Party Ministers. However, we do try to treat people with respect. In my time here, the Seanad has had a positive tradition of treating people with courtesy and respect when they are making points with which others may not agree.

Senator Terry Leyden: The Minister is a sensitive soul.

Senator Ivana Bacik: Here is another example of disagreeing respectfully.

Senator Darragh O'Brien: I do not agree with Senator Bacik on this. The Minister was treated with respect yesterday.

An Cathaoirleach: Senator Bacik, without interruption.

Senator Ivana Bacik: While I believe we should have pre-budget debates, some of which have already been facilitated such as yesterday with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, and last week with the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, they must be conducted with a modicum of courtesy, even when there is disagreement as there should be.

Regarding this morning's headline on a proposed charge on medical cards, I must point out to Senator Darragh O'Brien that no decision has yet been made in this regard. It was also somewhat premature of Members on the Fianna Fáil Party side to accuse Labour Party Members of U-turns on third level fees last week. The Labour Party made commitments on retaining the abolition of third level fees and holding a line on social welfare rate cuts. They remain Labour Party policy.

… As the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, said last week, it is important to acknowledge that other areas need to be examined. When she suggested creative reforms that will save the Exchequer money, such as the reform of sick pay arrangements which many employers may welcome because it will give them more control over absence due to sickness, it is important both sides of the House listen with courtesy and respect. Reforms such as this must be dealt with in a creative manner. It is not good enough, especially for the Fianna Fáil Party, to oppose every single measure the Government proposes.

(Interruptions)

An Cathaoirleach: Senator Bacik, without interruption. Has Senator Bacik a question for the Leader, by the way?

Senator Ivana Bacik: Will the Leader organise a debate on foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East? I welcome the release last week of Dr. Rafah Nached in Syria. I had called for it in this House and circulated a cross-party motion on it. I will circulate an updated motion to take account of her release and the ongoing appalling oppression in Syria.