I welcome Senator Máiría Cahill to the Upper House. I congratulate her and her family on her election to the Seanad. I wish her every success and look forward to working with her.

I would also like to add my voice to those who have expressed sympathy to the people of France and particularly to the families and friends of those who were injured and who passed away during the horrific act of terrorism at the weekend. Now more than ever, there is a critical need for the political leadership across the world to work together to combat these attacks on our democratic process.

I welcome Senator Máiría Cahill. I hope she will enjoy being here. I look forward to hearing the perspective she will bring from Belfast to the deliberations of this House.

I echo what other Senators have said about the bombings in Paris. I commend the Taoiseach on his statement. I also commend Uachtarán na hÉireann, who went to the French Embassy in Merrion Square yesterday to sign the book and be present for the minute's silence. I think both were commendable and expressed the national mood at this time.