Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not think I will be following in the footsteps of the late Senator James Dooge, but perhaps we should all aspire to that.

I join the Cathaoirleach in thanking Ms Bridget Doody and all the Seanad staff for their sincere professionalism in what was a very trying and long week last week. I also welcome back our esteemed Clerk and friend, Mr. Martin Groves, and offer him the sincere sympathy of all in the House on the very sad passing of his brother, Tony. I know that Martin appreciates that we stood last week for a minute's silence in his brother's honour. I thank Martin for his continued service and for coming back to the House today. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

I also join the Cathaoirleach in welcoming our esteemed guests to the House, Mr. Bruce Knotts and his husband Isaac Humphrey who are here today as guests of Senator Wilson. It is important, in the context of the contribution of Senator Gavan, that the work Mr. Knotts has done around the world in promoting diversity, equality and in fighting homophobia is commended. He is also involved in the biggest global challenge of our generation, that of climate change, which speaks volume about him. As a member of this House and of the LGBT community, I welcome them both and thank them for being here. I hope they are not led astray by Senator Wilson. I offer them a sincere céad míle fáilte.

Senators Horkan, Conway-Walsh, Norris and Craughwell raised the incident in Strokestown, County Roscommon, at the weekend. The horrific nature of the incident has captured the public imagination. Local gardaí have described it as criminal damage and assault. While I am not familiar with all the circumstances, nobody wants to see anyone evicted from his or her family home or property. It is important to recognise that there is a process involved in an eviction that must be followed. The eviction took place on foot of a court order. Engagement is critical in all such circumstances. Every effort must be made to ensure that people do not lose their family home.As Members will be aware, prior to last weekend the Government had convened an interdepartmental group which will report to the Minister for Justice and Equality early next year. The purpose of that group is to examine the administrative and legislative resources and other matters required to provide for the regulating and licensing of private security personnel assisting in enforcing court orders. It is important that we do that. Our language and behaviour is also important and critical. We are very fortunate that we have a very strong and very fair Garda Síochána in our country. We must support it at all times. There are wrongs on all sides of the incident that happened at the weekend. I condemn utterly the barbaric nature of the events. Equally it is important that we understand the full facts of the situation before us. Engagement by both sides, particularly the lending institutions, is critical.