Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will begin by welcoming the changes to the regulations on who can give blood. I am delighted that the ban on donations from men who have sex with men has come to an end. Many people played a role in this, including these Houses, NGOs and the Government. LGBT activists and groups have long advocated for reform of this discriminatory restriction. All donors will now be asked the same questions about their sexual activity regardless of gender or the sexual orientation of the donors or their sexual partners. This change will ensure a blood provision service that ensures patient safety and embraces inclusivity. I am delighted that men who have sex with men can now provide much-needed donations to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service.

It is more than a year since welcomed the report on a family-friendly and inclusive Parliament. The recommendations contained in the report have the power to be transformative to the Houses of the Oireachtas and the lives of those who serve and work here. They are also accessible and achievable within this mandate. We are now halfway through this mandate and many of the key recommendations have not yet been implemented, including arrangements for proxy voting, greater flexible and remote working arrangements and the scheduling of a referendum to amend Article 15. I am particularly concerned about the delay in implementing recommendations that seek to address threats of political violence and harassment. Such abuse often originates online and can escalate into personal abuse and concerns about physical threats. No one should have to face threats to their safety and well-being in carrying out their duties as a representative. Unfortunately we know such threats disproportionately target women, the LGBT community and other minority representatives. These incidents directly impact the number of people from these groups who put themselves forward for election or re-election. A safe and healthy workplace free from such threats is not only necessary to ensure a diverse and inclusive Oireachtas but it is fundamental to democracy itself. The recommendations that specifically address these threats must be implemented as matter of urgency. It is time for all of us in the Houses to implement the full range of practical steps recommended by the family-friendly and inclusive Parliament report.