Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I certainly am.

It is as simple as this. Bad decisions are being made about the Aran Islands all the time. A few months ago, it was an eitleáin. Anois, an bád. Would the Minister of State, Deputy McHugh, and others get their act together when it comes to the Aran Islands, not make their Christmas a mess and stop isolating them? They are on an island in the Atlantic. They are off our coast, not on the mainland, so let us cut them a bit of slack.

I also support my good friend, Senator Quinn, about the importance of a debate on how we treat terrorists in this country. We should not think it is down the line of priorities. I refer to those who go to fight with ISIS or jihadists. We need to give a clear message that we do not tolerate that in our country and that we are a peace-loving nation. Regrettably, some of our own people could be joining those forces. That is an important debate to have in the new year. I do not expect it will be this week.

I am concerned that there is one Bill not on the Order Paper, that is, the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill. Could the Leader tell the House if that Bill will come in by the end of tomorrow? We have waited for years for the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill. We have waited for years to decriminalise the women and penalise the buyer. The Leader should not tell me that this term, and Dáil and Seanad, could rise without this Bill going through this House. There is speculation that the Taoiseach may call an early election in January. If that is the case and if this Bill is not through, I bid "good luck" to all our brave comments and support for women who are marginalised, in poverty and at the mercy of pimps. I hope it is coming in this session.