Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----and, second, the misinformation that is contained in some of them. This matter highlights the need for an electoral commission to tackle such misinformation.

Senator Norris also raised the transgender issue. I do not have clarity for him on that matter but I will endeavour to obtain it. I beg his indulgence in that regard.

Senator Ó Donnghaile referred to Lord Kilclooney, as did Senators O'Reilly and Feighan. I thank Senator Ó Donnghaile for his email to the Cathaoirleach and to me. I concur with the comments of all three Senators and condemn Lord Kilclooney for his remarks. They were racist and inappropriate. Like other members of the unionist community, he should engage in the debate in a real way in order that we can protect the island of Ireland, North and South - green, white and orange - and work together to minimise the damage of Brexit. Lord Kilclooney's contribution was not helpful and he should apologise for it. All of us should stand united in condemning his remarks. The important point is that the comments of our new colleague, Senator Marshall, are those which we should reflect upon rather than the ill-timed remarks of Lord Kilclooney.