Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Senator's colleagues will be able to verify that Fianna Fáil Senators were invited. We invited Senators from all parties who wished to do so to attend and in all of our press releases on yesterday's very important Bill, we have acknowledged the cross-party support, without which it would not have been possible. I do not take support for granted. A powerful aspect of this particular Seanad is that no-one can take things for granted. The Government cannot take things for granted and none of us in any of the groups take things for granted. It is by working together and supporting each other's legislation, through constructive proposals, by listening to each item that is brought forward on its merits and giving it genuine consideration that this Seanad works. This is why our group has been happy to support positive constructive proposals across the House and we welcome, deeply, the support from others. Where there is common concern, we make progress. The Bill that passed Second Stage yesterday is about expanding family reunification. It is a principle of family and justice. I recognise that Senators from Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and Labour, Independent Senators and ourselves all came together on the Bill, which, I believe, involves a very important principle for the families who are the most important people in this situation. I deeply respect Senator Leyden and I note the work we have done together on Europol.