Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I commend those involved in organising the Trinity College public debate on the Seanad referendum last night. I am glad to say that the "No" side won handsomely. My colleague, Senator Barrett, spoke passionately at it. The reports have been good.

Will the Leader arrange for an early debate on the reports of the Constitutional Convention? Like many, I was in attendance at the weekend when the extension of votes to Irish citizens resident outside the State, for example, in Northern Ireland, was debated. It was an interesting debate that saw moving presentations from representatives of the diaspora in countries as far away as Australia, the US and European countries. They argued passionately for the extension of voting rights in presidential elections at least. The Government must respond to the recommendations of the convention within four months. That period is due to run out shortly on the report recommending a change to the Constitution to allow for marriage equality. Similarly, we should debate the strong recommendation of the convention in respect of the extension of voting rights. That 78% of members were in favour of an extension is a ringing endorsement of the principle. I hope we will see referendums on that issue as well as on the other issues on which the convention has made recommendations.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC, of the UN made a chilling report on global warming and the significant role played by human behaviour in causing climate change. Next Tuesday, the Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht will finalise its report on the Government's proposed climate change legislation. Let us remember that it was this House in which a climate change Bill was first introduced in 2007.