Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In her two years in this House, Senator Colette Kelleher has made an indelible contribution on social issues about which we care deeply. I think back to the time when Traveller ethnicity was recognised. That was a great day.

This is a great day for Senator Kelleher to have her Private Members' Bill pass through the Seanad, without Government support. This was probably due to technical reasons. I am very happy for Senator Kelleher because I know how committed and passionate she is on these issues. This Bill has made us think about these issues in greater depth than we would otherwise. It does impact on people coming from the most difficult part of our planet. I am very happy that we have a Minister of State in the person of Deputy David Stanton who is leading this country's humanitarian response. I know the Minister of State would like to be able to do a whole lot more but there is only so much that can be done. There are constraints and challenges. In my own community in north Clare, the Department will open a direct provision centre in Lisdoonvarna. Even in a small community such as Lisdoonvarna which is very welcoming of people, there is fear of the unknown. We all face challenges. We all have to show leadership where we can.

Senator Kelleher has shown leadership. All Senators in this House show leadership in trying to do the right thing. It is important to salute and recognise the work of Senator Kelleher and the Minister of State who provide the type of leadership that we can all be proud of and which we are proud of.