Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I join the tributes to the Cathaoirleach, the Leader of the House, the Whips, other Members, Mr. Martin Groves and Ms Bridget Doody, who do excellent work. If there were to be an end of year report for the Seanad, it would show that it has been a very successful period. I compliment Senator Neale Richmond, the Chairman of the Seanad Special Committee on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union, and the members of that who participated in 50 hours of hearings about Brexit. It was a most useful exercise, which I commend, and I would like to see an ongoing discussion about Brexit and, on the report itself, perhaps bringing people back to update us on developments. I am delighted to see on the Order Paper that the Leader has brought about a situation where he got this clarified and can carry out the work in accordance with statute and Standing Orders.I also commend the Leader and the Committee on Procedure and Privileges on arranging the debate here on 29 September, which is a very useful exercise. Today is the last day the Seanad will meet in this Chamber this year. As the extent of the damage to the building is not yet known, it will probably be two years before the Seanad returns to this Chamber. Hopefully, this Seanad will be in existence for the next two years but that is a matter for the Government and the Leader of the Opposition, Deputy Martin.

In today's Irish Independentthere is a photograph of members of the Seanad Civil Engagement group, Senators John Dolan, Grace O'Sullivan, Alice-Mary Higgins, Lynn Ruane, Colette Kelleher and Frances Black and Senators Niall Ó Donnghaile, Paul Gavan and Billy Lawless who it is stated proposed a Bill to enable refugees in Ireland to be reunited with their loved ones. Without Fianna Fáil support, that Bill would not have passed yesterday. I have never heard of the Civil Engagement group. I note Senator Craughwell, who turns up everywhere, was not in the photograph. I am not sure if he was invited to join in but if he had to be in it, he would have been. I do not like to mention people when they are not in the Chamber but I remind Senator Alice-Mary Higgins of the importance when on "Morning Ireland" of recognising the support of Sinn Féin, the Labour Party and Fianna Fáil when it comes to the passage of legislation in this House. Fianna Fáil's support for the International Protection (Family Reunification) (Amendment) Bill 2017 or any other Bill should not be taken for granted.