Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator Black's call for a debate on the recognition of Traveller ethnicity. The previous justice committee, on which the Cathaoirleach sat with me, Senator Mac Lochlainn and others, recommended unanimously that Traveller ethnicity be recognised. It is important and timely to have the debate.I welcome Harriett Bruce and former Labour Party councillor Johnny Walsh, who were in the Gallery a moment ago and who Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh mentioned. Senator Denis Landy and others have been working with them and they were here today to meet the Labour Party leader, Deputy Brendan Howlin, who has also taken up their case and the issue of the deportation already mentioned. There will be a briefing in the AV room at 4 p.m., which I know all colleagues will be interested in attending.

I also welcome the Cathaoirleach's clarification in respect of the move to the National Museum, especially in light of all of the concerns expressed to us. It is welcome to hear an agreement has been concluded.

I thank colleagues for their support on a cross-party basis for the passing of the Competition (Amendment) Bill 2016 last Thursday. We should note the historic achievement that this was the first Private Members' Bill to pass either House of the Oireachtas under the current Government. That was a good day for the Seanad, being the first House to pass a Private Members' Bill in full. Will the Leader ensure it receives a speedy passage through the Dáil? I certainly will be doing what I can to ensure that also.

I also ask colleagues for their support for the other Bill the Labour Party is introducing on Second Stage tomorrow, the Protection of Employment (Uncertain Hours) Bill 2016. We see it as an important component of a package of measures to protect workers' rights. Just as our Bill last week will allow freelance workers to have collective bargaining rights, tomorrow's Bill will ensure protections for those on uncertain hours or so-called flexible contracts.

Will the Leader organise a debate on domestic violence and law reform to provide for greater protection for victims and survivors of domestic violence? Could we have the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality provide to the House the timeframe for legislation on domestic violence? I was privileged to attend and speak at a SAFE Ireland summit organised yesterday and today in the Mansion House in Dublin, at which we heard speakers with international profiles on domestic and gender-based violence on the need to ensure greater protections for victims and survivors. Some powerful testimonies were also given. Will the Leader organise such a debate? The Seanad has led on this and there have been justice committee reports before. We do, however, now need legislative reform in this area.