Senator Bacik speaking on the Protest outside Leinster House, the Need for a Debate on Job Creation, and the Role of The Catholic Church in Education

Order of Business

Senator Ivana Bacik: A great deal has been said about the protest outside Leinster House last Tuesday. I was not on it but I heard many people afterwards who said they went on it intending to participate in a peaceful protest and they were dismayed by the actions of a small number who engaged in violence. That needs to be put the record as people bandy around accusations about individuals. All the speakers had intended that the protest would be utterly peaceful and it was most unfortunate for all of democratic society that it should have descended into violence. However, only a small number was involved and that must be recognised.

I support those who called for a debate on job creation and who expressed concern and dismay at Pfizer's announcement. Many of us are closely associated with people who supply or work in the pharmaceutical industry and it is of great concern that high end, high skilled and well paid jobs are at risk. As a matter of urgency, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation needs to come to the House to outline his plan to ensure job opportunities are created for workers in this highly skilled well paid sector. It is a worry if jobs are being lost in that sector because Ireland has been in the vanguard for many years and it is export-led. We need to ensure the many thousands of jobs in that sector remain here.

I seek a debate on the protection of children and, in particular, on the role of the Catholic Church in the provision of education to children in light of a number of developments. First, Archbishop Martin made a brave speech last week in which he referred to forces working against disclosure and in favour of cover up within the church, which is a concern. The second is the unfortunate decision of Cardinal Seán Brady not to resign. That undermines the efforts by many within and outside the church to ensure greater transparency and accountability regarding those engaged in child sexual abuse in the past. I very much welcome the report of the national board for safeguarding children and the efforts being made by many in the church to ensure abuse never again happens or is covered up. However, we need a debate on the protection of our children in institutions and schools that remain under the control of the Catholic Church and on the future of the church's role in the education system.