SEANAD REPORT:KATHERINE ZAPPONE (Ind) called on the Minister for Justice to identify this country's voluntary commitments to increasing human rights, in advance of or during tomorrow's United Nations review of our record in this area. This was the least we could do if we wished to be voted on to the UN Human Rights Council next year.

Dr Zappone, who will be in Geneva to observe the review, said the protection and promotion of human rights was a core part of the UN process. Despite requests from the Irish Human Rights Commission and civic society organisations, the Government had so far failed to list its commitments.

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore had recently told the UN General Assembly that Ireland was committed to the international body and a deep attachment to its core human-rights principles underpinned our candidature for election to the council.

Government whip Paul Coghlan (FG) said he was fed up with the grandstanding and ballyhoo of Senators in relation to demands that the Minister for Health come to the House.

Fianna Fáil Seanad leader Darragh O’Brien said Mr Coghlan’s admonition was rich given the views expressed by some of those on his own side of the chamber.

Marie Moloney (Lab) had earlier called on the Minister to stop shying from coming into the House. Describing the new centralised medical card system as a disaster, Ms Moloney instanced the case of a young woman who was very ill but had been unable to get her card renewed since it had expired in July.

Mary Ann O’Brien, a nominee of the Taoiseach, said UN reviews on the provision of childcare in Ireland had recommended any child with a certified illness or disability should be provided automatically with a medical card.

Despite this, means testing still applied here.