Marie Sherlock (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators Cummins and Fitzpatrick for their contributions. We are disappointed that we did not get a chance to debate this amendment. If the amendment was deemed to be too broad, then our disappointment is with the Government for not tabling an amendment to deal with some of these issues. We have been a bit bewildered by some of the response, notwithstanding some of the Minister of State's positive comments.

When this Bill is passed, we will not have a consistent approach across all returning officers. We will not have hardwired into our legislation a very basic protection, as we see it, for candidates. We all exist in an atmosphere where it is not just about us as public representatives but about our families as well. There are lessons to be learned from what has happened in the UK. In some ways, it is a miracle that a TD, Senator or councillor, or a family member, has not been seriously attacked or indeed killed given the assaults and protests outside individuals' houses.

Much needs to be done to try to send out a message that those putting themselves forward for election or fortunate enough to be elected to represent their communities in this country are safe, particularly when we are trying to encourage people to run, especially women. We know about the conversations right across the Chamber, particularly with young women but also young men. There is already so much exposure on social media and whatever else. Basic things like protecting candidates' home address should not be too much of an ask. We believe it should be in the legislation. It is a source of great disappointment that the Government has not seen fit to take up what was discussed in the Dáil by making those amendments here in the Seanad. It is to benefit us all, both those who are already elected and those who we want to put themselves forward for future elections.

In light of the elections that will take place next year and in the years afterwards, the time to react is now. I reiterate that this is one of many measures that need to be taken, but it is a serious and important measure. I do not know whether the Government can bring forward an amendment on Report Stage.The Minister of State will have our wholehearted and full support if he does. Otherwise, we will be left bewildered and very disappointed if nothing is hardwired into the legislation after the conversation.