Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes. Senators McDowell and Humphreys raised the metro and the need for planning in Dublin. I refer my two esteemed colleagues to the Ireland 2040 plan. That is what this Government is about, namely, ensuring that we plan for the development and growth of the entire country. The points made are valid and I am happy to have such a debate with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Ross, in the post-Easter period.

I join with Senator Conway-Walsh in welcoming the decision by the Minister for Justice and Equality on the pardon to Maolra Seoighe. The issue she and Senator Bacik raised about the coverage of sexual offences, rape trials and cases concerning physical domestic violence is one that requires significant sensitivity and protocols. I do not wish to refer to any specific case but I hope that any woman or man who feels she or he is a victim of abuse can come forward and have her or his story heard. We must always support people in those vulnerable situations.I really hope the Domestic Violence Bill will be passed quickly in the Lower House. Again, I thank our colleagues in this House for the way in which this legislation has been dealt with.