Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Apologies, it was Senator Higgins. We need to put incentives in place to ensure that women are promoted and their personal lives will not be affected by taking on positions of responsibility. Senator Byrne was right to raise this. The report published this morning is one of which we must take cognisance. We have gender quotas in the electoral system. I am not sure how it would be applied in the sphere of employment but it is something to which we must give thought. I would be happy for the Minister to come to the House.

Senator Leyden's wide-ranging contribution referred to Brexit. I was happy to put that motion to the House and to bring his suggestion to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. He is correct that we must use all systems, offices, vehicles and forums to promote our unique position in the context of Brexit. We, as parliamentarians, have a large part to play. The Senator's role sees him travel in the European Union along with Senator Reilly. He is very good at that and the Upper House should use every opportunity in this regard. He is correct that Senator Richmond did a tremendous job, along with the other members of the Brexit committee. That report should be shared across the European continent in order that people can understand our position.

I will not get into a political debate with Senators Leyden or Higgins today about working with people. Sometimes it feels like a cul-de-sac on this side. New politics or collectivism is not about opposing the Government every time and celebrating that; it is about working to ensure that we build a coalition to serve the people.