Dan Boyle (Green Party)

I welcome the passage of the Civil Partnership Bill in the Dáil last night without a division. I look forward to the debate on it in this House. It is significant legislation because it recognises rights which have not been extended to date. I trust that when we conduct the debate, this will be the central principle that will inform it.

A debate on the Ombudsman's report would be useful. There is legislation before the Dáil which will be brought before the Seanad to extend the powers of the Ombudsman. That might present an opportunity to hold such a debate in the near future.

Senator O'Toole referred to the conduct of the protestors outside the gates of Leinster House. I support his comments. The issue is important. Sadly, there are individuals, members of groups campaigning against particular legislation or on a specific social issue, who choose to turn against individual Members in a very aggressive manner. Perhaps there is a need for protocols which should be made known to such individuals and others outside the gates of Leinster House.

That said, for the next two weeks we have a full programme of legislation, including legislation which does not deal with animal rights.