Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to join with colleagues in noting that today is International Women's Day. We have a very proud record in the Seanad, not just of having very fine and capable current female Members of the Seanad but in the past as well. The Seanad also has a proud record, as the Leas-Chathaoirleach will know, of progressing important legislation that impacts on women's lives and, hopefully, makes a difference. We saw the passage through this House recently of the stalking Bill and in the last term we worked very well on the domestic violence Bill, which saw coercive control deemed a criminal offence. At this point in time, given events in Ukraine and globally, we know that issues like war, ecological destruction, increased energy prices and the cost of living, poverty, conflict and, in our own experience, the legacy of conflict all disproportionately impact upon women. While it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the women in our lives, whether they are indigenous women, women of colour, women with disabilities or trans women, and it is right that we celebrate and acknowledge them, it is also important to remember there is a sentiment and a purpose behind International Women's Day, and that is to ensure, as Senator Conway said, equality and justice for all women, no matter where they are.

It would be timely if we could have a discussion on UN Resolution 1325, which I know this State adopted. It would be good to hear from the relevant Minister about how the resolution is being implemented in practice.In speaking about the issues of refugees, which other colleagues have obviously mentioned, the news today is that 2 million people have fled Ukraine. I know the Acting Leader will appreciate that in the part of Ireland I am from, the current policy approach to refugees by the British Government is anathema to what we are about in terms of welcoming and supporting people and in respect of international solidarity. Other Members are entitled to call for whatever debate they so choose. I would appreciate the opportunity to have statements from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, however, about how we will use our position at the UN Security Council to co-ordinate aid relief, support for refugees, humanitarian efforts and hear how this State will work in practical ways in ensuring that we can assist refugees, be they from Ukraine or any other part of the world torn apart by conflict not of their making.