Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have a question, Chairman, but I wish to make a contribution as well.

To return to Mr. Martin Reilly's contribution, nobody should have to share their personal stories in order to advance an issue or sort out a problem but this seems to be the direction of our politics in recent times, be it marriage equality or repeal of the eighth amendment of the Constitution. He said it time and again, we have the data and we know the issues but I thank him for doing this.

Ms Quilligan mentioned unconscious bias, which is probably one of the most generous descriptions of Irish people's attitude to her community. She also mentioned an act of resistance. Sometimes when I am walking down the street holding hands with my boyfriend, I feel that standing in opposition to the norm is a great and beautiful thing and might always be an act of resistance.

Like Ms Connors, I too have been to many Traveller events and have never once experienced trouble. I was the mayor of South Dublin County Council and I have been to Tallaght Library at Traveller community events on many occasions and they have been great and beautiful. In regard to what Mr. Patrick Reilly said, I particularly take on board that Traveller organisations alone cannot tackle the extent of this crisis.

Sitting here has been quite emotional. I heard it said once that emotion is not a good trait for politicians. Not enough people in this place have emotional intelligence. I did not think I would be able to coherently say anything in response to what I have been told. I sit here with a lot of guilt as a member of the LGBT community that has had a struggle which has advanced so far in such a short space of time. We have representation in Leinster House and it baffles me that the Taoiseach has not appointed nominees to the Seanad, which is his right. Political parties also have a responsibility, and we take that on board. One of the Taoiseach's nominees has done great work, which is something.