Before I call on the next speaker, I welcome to the Gallery all the teachers and pupils from Glenageary Killiney National School. They are here with Senator Ward. I hope that they enjoy their time in Leinster House, that they learn loads and that the highlight of the day is not the shopping but being in the Seanad Chamber looking at our fabulous room with our fabulous Senators. I thank the group very much for coming here today.

I move: That Seanad Éireann- - expresses its deepest sadness on the death of former Senator Jimmy Leonard; - conveys its sincere condolences to his family; and - expresses its gratitude for his notable contribution as a Member to Irish public life and his dedication and service to the people of Ireland.

I welcome the Minister of State to the House to speak on this important topic at this time. He has eight minutes.

We do not want to make people identifiable. I thank the Senator.

I thank the Senator for sharing her story. Unfortunately, it is the story of many, which speaks to the importance of this legislation. As she pointed out, it is because of the predominantly female leadership of Seanad Éireann that it is coming through at this time, even if it was long delayed in many respects.

I welcome the Minister, Deputy McEntee, to the Chamber. She has taken time out of her busy schedule to be here, because of the importance of this Bill for the victims of sexual assault. The Minister of State commented on how, as we all know, the perpetrator’s previous history is not allowed to be given to the court. Yet, the victim's previous history is given to the court. That tells you a lot about our system. Previously, many times, the prosecution would have asked, “What were you wearing?” and posed those types …

When is it proposed to take Committee Stage?

Is that agreed? Agreed.

I have received notice from Senator Victor Boyhan that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter: The need for the Minister for Rural and Community Development to make a statement on the next round of supports for the town and village renewal scheme. I have also received notice from Senator Garret Ahearn of the following matter: The need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to ensure that human rights defenders are named stakehold…

I welcome the Minister of State to the House.

For its information, I advise the House that our superintendent, Ms Teresa Dolan, has tendered her resignation and has left the service to move to the Department of Justice. On behalf of Members, I wish her well and thank her for the outstanding, diligent and committed work she did while she was here. She is a person of the utmost integrity, ability and dedication. We wish her well in the future. It is significant that in the 100 years of the House, she was the first female superintendent. Mr. Noel Murphy is going …

Senator-----

I know. The Senator-----

To be fair to everybody, this is a debating Chamber. People are entitled to their points of view. They know the Standing Orders. If someone is in breach of the Standing Orders, I will deal with them. We can interpret the Standing Orders. I would like people to be fair-----

I am not the judge of what people say here.

My role here-----

My point is, and I think Members would all agree, that this is a debating Chamber. Nobody agrees on-----

Senator Buttimer-----

-----has made his point. Senators are entitled to respond in the time available to them. However, Senators are also entitled to their opinions and points of view.

That is an opinion.