Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do not necessarily agree with what Senator Seery Kearney has said. In fact, I totally concur with Senator Warfield. It is very important that we are vigilant at all times. This is the place where we make legislation. Language is critical and we know this from the diverse views and situations in the politics of this island. Language means everything. It is how we communicate. It is how we pull in the subliminal messaging. We always need to be conscious and aware there is no inherent misunderstandings in that language. What Senator Warfield has done is call it out for what it is. It is awkward rough language that is not appropriate for legislation and needs to be resolved, which is what we are doing. We are tidying up the legislation. It is the bicameral aspect of our Parliament. We in the Seanad are looking at the legislation. It is timely and right that we highlight issues because we have to be consistent in our approach, in everything we do and in all of the policies that we espouse with regard to equality, acceptance, inclusion and diversity. We categorise through our language and our spoken word, and somehow send out the wrong or contradictory messages. Senator Bacik put it right when she spoke about the importance of language, particularly in legislation. This is a very reasonable approach and the Minister of State has been very reasonable in how he is dealing with the legislation. I do not think we are miles apart on this. I urge and encourage the Minister of State to accept the amendment.