Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Perhaps we could debate when the House returns after the break. As I said, I understood there was strong support for the people of Syria in this House. I am, therefore, disappointed by this.

On the verdict announced yesterday in the trial in Belfast, I ask the Leader to arrange a debate when we return on the trial of sex offences in this jurisdiction. We have had some significant changes to the law here and reforms in the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act. The Domestic Violence Bill, which is before the Dáil this week, will also make some changes. We could reflect further on how we can reform our processes to ensure the experience of reporting a rape or sexual assault and giving evidence in court is not like a secondary victimisation for any complainant. I am conscious, as I have outlined elsewhere, that the procedures here are more humane for both the accused and complainants in terms of publicity and privacy in the courtroom and so on.

I wish Senators a happy Easter. On our return on 17 April, we will have a transition year debate with Díospóireacht na nÓg in the Seanad Chamber, as agreed by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, as part of our Vótáil 100 programme to commemorate the centenary of women's suffrage. I hope colleagues from all sides will be able to come along and watch 16 wonderful young people taking part in the debate in the Seanad Chamber.