Kevin Humphreys (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I echo the remarks of Senator Norris earlier about the chaos about to happen in Dublin regarding public transport. I am delighted that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, who has been missing in action for so long, was on "Today with Sean O'Rourke" and I look forward to listening to his great knowledge on transport and to hear what his solutions are. He has not been very much involved in his own Department until now.

Today is an historic week. It marks the 25th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality, which happened on 24 June 1993. Senator Norris was a great campaigner on this issue and he should be proud of the work he did on it. The issue was part of the Labour Party's programme for Government when we went into government with Fianna Fáil. The then Minister for Justice, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, ably carried the legislation through.

I acknowledge the work the Leader has done with Senator Nash with regard to an apology that will be issued to those men who were convicted, some of whom were imprisoned and brutally treated. Unfortunately some of those men are no longer with us, but this is not a reason not to issue the apology. The Taoiseach has agreed with Senator Nash that an apology will be issued. I acknowledge the work of Senator Nash in this regard.I also acknowledge the work done by the Leader in facilitating the legislation. It was a good day's work when Senator Nash brought the Bill to the House. It will be debated next week in the Seanad and Dáil. This is another step forward for this country in terms of modernisation and recognising all citizens as being equal. We still have a distance to go but this is another step in the right direction. I acknowledge all those who played a role in this issue. There are many more than I can mention. I look forward to the day in Dublin Castle, which as well as being sad will be a celebration of how far this country has moved in recent decades. I thank the Leader for the assistance he has given to Senator Nash on the Bill. I am pleased we will be able to bring it to a conclusion next week.