Máiría Cahill (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I also pay tribute to Senator Jimmy Harte, who has experienced a horrific number of years. I had the privilege of speaking with him last week and I am glad to say he is slowly but surely making a great recovery. I also thank the Harte family in its entirety for their support, particularly Jimmy's daughter, Amy Rose, who has looked after me so well over the past number of weeks. There has been a great Northern tradition of representation in the Seanad. I have not had the privilege of meeting all the former Senators but I am lucky to have met and have the support of Mr. Seamus Mallon and Bríd as well.

I echo the heartfelt sympathies sent from this House to the people of Paris and I strongly condemn the very cruel attacks that took place at the weekend. I ask the Leader for a debate on sexual offences and abuse. I am thankful that the directors of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and One in Four are here today, and I welcome them. I ask for an indication of when Committee Stage of the sexual offences Bill will be taken.