Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join others in paying tribute to the giant, colossus of a man that was iar-Sheanadóir John A. Murphy. I had the pleasure of knowing him and of meeting him on many occasions. I enjoyed many a robust debate with him, in particular around the marriage equality referendum in 2015 on which we disagreed, but we agreed to disagree. In this Chamber, in his teachings and in his writings he was a champion of what was right about Ireland. I urge all Members of this House to read his scholarly writings, in particular on republicanism and on the Irish State. I pay tribute to him and sympathise with his family.

The contribution of Senator McDowell this afternoon is one upon which we should all reflect. I appreciate that the Cathaoirleach has facilitated the making of statements in the House tonight on Ukraine but it is important that we, as the Upper House of the Houses of the Oireachtas, join with Dáil Éireann in passing a joint motion condemning the actions of Russia in Ukraine. I appreciate that we cannot replicate the motion before the Lower House but I am sure we can put together a motion on Ukraine before Thursday. Perhaps it will not be possible to do that today but we do need to send out more than just statements on Ukraine. We need both Houses of the Oireachtas to send out a very strong message internationally. The fact that over 6 million people have watched David McCullagh's interview with the Russian ambassador tells its own story. We must stand, but not just in words, with the people of Ukraine. Both Houses of the Oireachtas should send a strong message to the international community and I hope we can do that before the end of the week.