Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I was glad to see some positive signs of something which was often, rightly, disparaged, namely, new politics. Gender equality in the workplace goes beyond equal pay. In recent weeks there has been momentum on issues to do with sexual harassment in the workplace. I commend Grace Dyas, a brave young woman, for coming forward to highlight issues to do with sexual harassment in Irish theatre, most notably the Gate Theatre, to which the issue is not confined. Since her actions, other women have come forward to talk about harassment in other spheres across the arts and other sectors. Some years ago a law study showed that this was an issue across the legal profession. The Minister of State, Deputy David Stanton, rather than the Minister of State, Deputy John Halligan, is probably the appropriate Minister of State to come to the House to discuss equality in the workplace, including gender equality, and how we can combat the problems, given the recent decision of the Workplace Relations Commission. Today we published a toolkit, a resource for those experiencing harassment in the workplace, to inform them of their legal rights. A number of us worked on it. We need to inform those who are experiencing sexual harassment and other forms of bullying in the workplace of such toolkits.

I welcome the decision of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Charles Flanagan, to allow family reunification which involves, I understand, 430 persons, in the light of the defeat of the Government last week in the Seanad on the Civil Engagement Group's Bill. However, it does not go far enough. More needs to be done to ensure people can have close family members join them, in particular those who have fled the conflict in Syria.

I join others in wishing the Irish team well in the crucial match against Denmark.