Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The point the article highlights is that the centre must always hold in politics. I agree with Senator Ned O'Sullivan's comments in that regard. The other point relates to the threat to themselves or to us. We should all condemn the people to whom the Senator refers who are protesting outside the homes of Government Ministers and other politicians. Such behaviour has no place in a democracy. These protestors should be condemned out of hand. The Taoiseach was right in this regard. We are fair game on one level. By all means people may come to our offices and meet us but they should not engage with our families or our staff. I make that point very strongly.

Senator Conway's contribution regarding civil society, the Abbey Theatre and any opportunity to address the Seanad in this regard is really a matter for the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I would be happy to defer to the committee in respect of these matters.

I thank Senators in advance for their co-operation on the Brexit omnibus Bill, which is due to come before the House next week. We are due to sit earlier next Tuesday. I encourage all Senators to participate in the debate. It is the biggest and most important debate we will have in the context of the future of our country. I hope all Senators will participate in the Second Stage and Committee Stage debates.