Senator Bacik asks for a debate on Stag Hunting, and on the Impact of the Recent Cut-Backs
Order of Business
Senator Ivana Bacik: I support the Green Party’s call for a ban on stag hunting, which is a barbaric practice. I am glad to see Green Party members standing firm on this. Senator Prendergast commented that they might wish to rename themselves “the stag party”, although that is probably not worthy of following up.
An Cathaoirleach: Could we have questions to the Leader on today’s Order of Business?
Senator Ivana Bacik: I ask the Leader for a debate on the issue of stag hunting, which seems to raise passions. Before anyone accuses me of being involved in the urban-rural divide, I grew up in the country and remember people following the fox hunts on foot in
It is important to remember that the Greens, while they are supporting animal welfare on this important issue, have still been making savage cuts in terms of human welfare in the social welfare Bill we opposed but which, unfortunately, passed Second Stage yesterday. I ask the Leader for a debate on the impact these social welfare cuts will have on the most vulnerable, assuming the Bill passes.
Assuming the Bill passes, we need a debate on the impact the cutbacks are having, including the reductions in carer’s benefit and jobseeker’s allowance for young people. We need to know the impact this is having on young people in practice.
I support calls for a debate on
An Cathaoirleach: The Deputy’s time is concluded. I call Senator Fitzgerald.
Senator Ivana Bacik: Just because there are sensitive and complex issues here does not mean we should not face up to our responsibilities as legislators and legislate. We have the report from the Commission on Assisted Human Reproduction to guide us.