Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Like Senator Darragh O'Brien, I extend sympathy on behalf of the Labour Party group to the city of Boston and the families of those who were killed and injured in the horrific bombing during the marathon on Monday. We were all appalled and shocked to see the footage and read about the devastation caused by the bombing. We all share the hope that the perpetrators of the massacre will be swiftly brought to justice. I know that enormous resources are being brought to bear in that pursuit in Boston.

On a more positive note, I commend the Government for accepting the Private Members' legislation brought forward last night to lift the Statute of Limitations for the survivors of symphysiotomy.

It was great to see the survivors, most of whom are elderly, in the Visitors Gallery and who will be able to benefit from the legislation. It is good that the other House should take on board Private Members' Bills and allow them to pass through Second Stage. It is welcome that the Government will take on that legislation in aid of the survivors of symphysiotomy which is long overdue. It is great to see it finally moved on a cross-party basis.

On another matter that has cross-party support, I welcome the decision of the Constitutional Convention, of which I am a member, at the weekend which voted by a 79% majority in support of calling on the Government to hold a referendum on the right to marriage equality, that is, the right to marriage for same sex or gay couples. There was enormous support for it at the convention. That report will go to Government and we look forward to a referendum on the issue in due course.

In regard to the vote on Croke Park II, it is important that the unions and the Government have time to reflect on the outcome. Many unions may wish to preserve some of the core elements of the package in respect of the protection of core pay for members earning less than €65,000. That was an important aspect of the agreement. It is important to note that some sectoral agreements were conducted, for example, with the Prison Officers Association. There are complex issues involved for those unions and for unions on both sides whose members either supported or rejected the agreement. It is important to have time to reflect as we await the response from the unions and, in turn, the Government's response.