Lorraine Clifford Lee (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is a great honour for me to take the Order of Business today on my appointment as deputy leader of the Fianna Fáil group in the Seanad. I look forward to taking it many times in the future and perhaps doing battle with the Leader opposite me.

I wish to refer to the protests that are going on throughout the country today and tomorrow in solidarity with the 17 year old girl who was recently the complainant in a rape trial in Cork. Do not worry, a Leas-Chathaoirligh, I will not take out any items of underwear in this House, but the point was very well made in the Lower House yesterday by Deputy Coppinger. It is very worthwhile to reflect on the words uttered by the senior counsel acting for the defence, Ms Elizabeth O'Connell. I will read them into the record of the chamber: "Does the evidence out-rule the possibility that she was attracted-----"