Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Could I also wish colleagues a happy St. Patrick?s Day, given that it falls this weekend? I agree that it is important that our Ministers travel abroad to represent Ireland across the world to ensure that we can get the maximum benefit for this country in terms of tourism and support for the economy at this time. It should be a great weekend at home in terms of people travelling here and everyone going to the parades and the events. I hope the sun shines on the parade for everyone.

I thank colleagues on both sides of the House for their support for the Bill I proposed on behalf of the Labour Party Senators group last night ? the Employment Equality (Amendment) (No.2) Bill. We are delighted the Bill has received Government support and will now move forward to Committee Stage. I hope that can be done quickly. We said as much to the Minister of State, Deputy Lynch, last night. I again acknowledge the support of all colleagues who spoke in favour of the Bill, including Fianna Fáil Senators. Senator Power has a strong track record on the issue and also Senator MacSharry. Fine Gael Senators Colm Burke and Jim D?Arcy also spoke in support of the Bill and I did not get an opportunity to thank them last night. I appreciate their support and that of my Labour Party colleagues. The Bill was ably seconded by Senator Moran and Senator O?Keeffe also spoke. The Bill is important as it will challenge for the first time section 37 of the Employment Equality Act which gives an opt-out to religious-run institutions against the normal anti-discrimination law provision. The Seanad Gallery was full last night of people from various groups from the trade union movement, human rights and LGBT groups who have very much welcomed the passage of the Bill on Second Stage. As other colleagues such as Senators Barrett and Norris acknowledged, it confirms the importance of the Seanad as a forum where we can introduce Bills-----