Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I remind Members that under new procedures approved by the House, the combined speeches of the proposer and seconder should not exceed 16 minutes and all other Senators should not exceed six minutes. Before I call Senator Warfield, I welcome to the Public Gallery Mr. Edmund Lynch, Mr. Martin Barnes and Mr. Kieran Rose, who have done an enormous amount of work on this issue. I thank them and welcome them most sincerely. I also welcome members of the Dublin Pride team who are here today. I thank them for being here and for all their work in advocacy.

This is a special day for many of us in this Chamber as we welcome back the father of the House and hero to so many of us. Senator Norris is very welcome back.

Today's business is very important and, as Cathaoirleach, I will not pre-empt or get involved in the debate. However, it is important on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, IDAHOBITDay, that we have this debate. I will echo other Members of the Seanad who spoke earlier about the events leading up to this motion and to IDAHOBITDayby reminding us all that regardless of who we are, we are all born free and equal in terms of dignity and rights. Today, hate and prejudice have no place in our society. As Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, I am proud of the father of the House, who has fought so valiantly for generations to give all of us a better life. We owe Senator Norris a debt of gratitude.