Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I join in expressing condolences to the young peacekeeper who lost his life and the peacekeeper who was injured in the service of the UN and a more peaceful world. That is a very sad thing. He was undertaking very important work.

It is wonderful to hear such pride in the Seanad and what it has been historically. This year's Seanad 100 events have given us a chance to look at what it has been, what it is and what it might be, particularly if we move towards Seanad reform and crafting even more possibilities into the future. I commend Seanad 100 and the work that went into it by the Cathaoirleach, the Seanad team, the communications team and everybody across the House. I also thank the staff of the Seanad Office, the ushers, the transcribers and the translators. I join those who have thanked the Cathaoirleach for his really ambitious, committed and dedicated work for the Seanad over the past two and a half years, particularly over the past year. I also thank the Leader, who has worked in a collegiate and constructive manner with us as leaders of other groups throughout this period. We have had a shared goal for the Seanad and its role being recognised, actualised and expressed. I think that has been really important.

I note the launch of the final report of the Joint Committee on Gender Equality, which is really exciting. It is not just a report; it is an action plan. It sets out an action plan with real timelines. I feel this is one of the proudest moments I have had in my time in the Seanad because we have something that looks to how our Constitution could reflect all families, recognise care inside and outside the home and, instead of having discriminatory language in it, have equality and non-discrimination at its centre. It is really exciting. The transformative proposals for having the idea of publicly supported and serviced care throughout every part of our State system - from collective bargaining, our political system and our budgeting system through to the shift in the social protection system - are also exciting. I know we will get to debate the report's recommendations properly in the new year. The recommendations would make for a better Ireland that reflects and serves all of its citizens better. I am very proud to be part of that report. I hope we will have the opportunity to debate it thoroughly in the new year.