Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Senator Norris also raised the issue of media reportage of allegations about a former Minister last week, on which a number of Senators spoke. I absolutely agree with Senator Norris and share his concern about the way in which this story came into the public domain at such an early stage of a Garda investigation and apparently before an investigation is properly commenced. I share Senator Norris's sentiments on that. The Garda Síochána Act 2005 makes it an offence for a serving garda to disclose information in certain circumstances. Clearly, there are already investigations into how this information came into the public domain and those investigations should run their course but, clearly, any breach of due process must be very much condemned.

Senator Hayden welcomed Senator Cahill and condemned the Paris attacks and pointed out the need for balance. I agree with her that those refugees who are fleeing Syria are fleeing ISIS and fleeing terrible brutality and atrocity there, and they should not be scapegoated in the response to the horrific attacks in Paris.

Senator O'Donovan spoke about the Parish attacks. He shared Senator Norris's sentiments on the issue of the smear campaign in the media reportage. The investigations, in particular by Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, GSOC, into this incident must run their course. Senator Naughton welcomed Senator Cahill and also spoke about the Paris attacks. Senator Barrett commented similarly.

Senator Moloney also commented similarly. She noted the drop in unemployment to 8.9%, which is very welcome and positive news. This is the first time the rate has fallen below 9% since December 2008.

Senator Cullinane expressed his welcome for Senator Cahill and remembered our colleague, the former Senator Harte. He pointed out that Islamic groups in Ireland have condemned the Parish attacks, which is an important point. An article in today's edition of the Irish Independent by my Trinity College colleague, Dr. Neville Cox, points out that this is not about Islam, that this is a twisted ideology that led to those attacks.

Senator Conway congratulated Senator Cahill on her election to the Seanad and also spoke about the Paris attacks. Senator Wilson commented similarly. He also referred to the Bill on Seanad reform which apparently Fianna Fáil will put before us next week in its Private Members' time and in particular on reforming the process for filling the casual vacancy through a by-election. I should remind Senator Wilson that Fianna Fáil had 14 years to carry out Seanad reform.