Senator Bacik speaking on Seanad Reform, the Government Coalition, and the need for a debate on Assisted Human Reproduction

Order of Business

Senator Ivana Bacik: I join with others in welcoming Senator Ó Brolcháin to the House and the Labour Party welcomes his addition very much. I am sure he will be a very active Senator. +As Senator O'Toole noted, his election reminds us of the need to debate Seanad reform and the method of electing persons to this House. It may also be a timely reminder of the need for debate on the role of Senator Ó Brolcháin's party in this Government in the wake of last week's budget.

It has been aptly described as a war on the poor. We saw a budget that was anti-family and anti-youth.

An Cathaoirleach: There should be no Second Stage speech. The Senator should put questions

to the Leader.

Senator Ivana Bacik: In the wake of that budget, will the Leader initiate a debate on the role of the junior coalition partner? We saw a certain out of control outburst from a Deputy from that party last week and we also saw a certain lack of control in the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government's own back yard with the start of construction of the new incinerator in Ringsend yesterday. That was in the teeth of opposition from not only the local community but the Minister himself. It is timely to have a debate on the role of the Green Party and how much it is in control of its policies in Government.

I echo Senator Fitzgerald's words in asking for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come to this House. On behalf of the Labour Party I express condolences to the family of Garda Gary McLoughlin, who was so tragically killed. His terrible and untimely death reminds us of the need to keep an eye on criminal justice reforms. With the Law Reform Commission recommendations yesterday on new legislation on defences, it is important for us to have a debate on that issue as soon as we can.

I ask the Leader for a debate on another urgent matter which was mentioned by Senator Fitzgerald. This is the need for legislation on assisted human reproduction. The Supreme Court's judgment this morning reminds us of the long overdue nature of such legislation. My predecessor, former Senator Mary Henry, very courageously put forward legislation on IVF and assisted human reproduction and was one of few voices, with Senators Norris and O'Toole, on the matter. It is time we grasped that nettle as legislators. Mr. Justice Hardiman this morning stated there is a masked reluctance on the part of the Oireachtas to legislate on the issues around assisted human reproduction.

…Yes. It is not just a marked reluctance; it is cowardice which we must confront.

… We must legislate for this as there are many other couples and families like the Roches who are left in an unregulated wasteland. Mr. Justice Hardiman noted that by default, Ireland will become an unregulated environment in these practices.

…We need this legislation urgently.