Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

If I may be allowed to make that point, clearly, we all await the Bill with great interest. I thank the Senator for informing me about it.

Senator Landy welcomed Senator Cahill and mentioned the Paris attacks. He also noted the school programme announced just today and commended the Minister, Deputy Jan O' Sullivan, on her commitment to ending the practice of housing schoolchildren in prefabs. We all very much welcome that and the extensive building programme, which will ensure proper facilities for all children.

Senators Mullen and Mullins welcomed Senator Cahill and referred to the Paris attacks. Senator Ó Clochartaigh also welcomed Senator Cahill and referred to the Paris attacks. He asked specifically when the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill will be before us. I can give the Senator a very clear answer that Second Stage will be taken in this House on 1 December. Colleagues will welcome that development.

Senator Catherine Noone welcomed Senator Cahill and condemned the Paris attacks. She noted the school programme and the good news in that respect. Senator Bradford also welcomed Senator Cahill and condemned the Paris attacks. Senator Burke did so also and welcomed the drop in unemployment.

Senator Craughwell referred to Seanad reform. I responded on that already. He welcomed Senator Cahill and mentioned the Paris attacks. Senator Coghlan referred to the same issues and also noted that we have two football teams on this island. We will have to await the draw for the championships. Senator Heffernan welcomed Senator Cahill and mentioned the Paris attacks.

I thank Senator Cahill for her words. She is very welcome. As she said, she carries on a very noble tradition of Northern Ireland representation in the Seanad. We all very much appreciate that. Specifically on her point on the sexual offences Bill, I am very hopeful that Committee Stage will be taken in the Seanad in very short course, in a number of weeks' time. A number of amendments have been proposed by a number of Senators and the Minister is considering them at present. Our colleagues in the Visitors Gallery will very much welcome Committee Stage. The Bill was initiated in the Seanad and we are very hopeful that it will be passed into law in the lifetime of the Government.

On such a sombre day, it is really welcome that we have such a display of unity in the face of the horrific Paris attacks. I thank the French ambassador for being here with us. On her first day here, Senator Cahill should note it is not normal for Senators to be so united that the business would send a child to sleep. I am sure that will change over the coming weeks.