I rise to discuss the report of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, CEDAW. Before I do, however, I will express my deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the victims of the tragic fire in Clondalkin. It is a community that I was proud to get to know as mayor of South Dublin County Council. Knowing that community, it will rally around the victims' families and friends.

I celebrate, recognise and wish everyone a happy International Women's Day, which has been mentioned extensively. The CEDAW's report recognised a number of positive developments in the State in recent times, for example, the Gender Recognition Act 2015 and the ratification of a number of international treaties on the rights of children, the domestic workers' convention and the Istanbul convention. However, the UN mentioned a number of principal areas of concern and made recommendations.

The committee regretted the discriminatory provision contained in Article 41.2 of the Constitution, which perpetuates traditional, stereotypical views of the social roles and responsibilities of women and men in the family. It reads: "In particular, the State recognises that by her life within the home, woman gives to the State a support without which the common good cannot be achieved." The committee urged an amendment to that article as well as a repeal of the eighth amendment. On this day, I send my solidarity to all women who are out in numbers in opposition to the eighth amendment.

The report mentioned the impact of austerity measures on NGOs. Senator Conway-Walsh and I referred to this matter in our support for women's refuges during the House's recent debate on domestic violence.

I welcome the UN's call for the development and implementation of an appropriate rights-based health care protocol for intersex children that ensures that children and their parents are properly informed of all options to the greatest extent possible when they make decisions on medical interventions.

It is important that we again invite the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to the House. A debate on the positives and negatives outlined in the UN's report would be important. I hope that the Tánaiste can join us for that debate. On this International Women's Day, níl saoirse na hÉireann gan saoirse na mban.

I dtús báire, ar mo shon féin agus ar son an Tí ba mhaith liom mo chombhrón a dhéanamh le na clanna tar éis bás na mná agus na leanaí maidin inniu i gCluain Dolcáin. It is important that Senators send their sympathies to the families of the mother and two young children who were tragically killed this morning in Clondalkin. It is awful news. Any day that lives are lost is not a good day. On this International Women's Day, it is a chilling reminder to us all that life is precious. Be it people in a refuge or home or on the roads and streets of our country, something like this is upsetting and sad, and the House sends its sympathies to the families of the deceased. Three lives have been lost.

Although we are sad, new life has been given to us. On behalf of the House, I congratulate Senator Swanick and his wife, Aislinn, on the great news of the birth of their daughter, Rosa Pearl. Life begins and life ends, but it is important on this day that we acknowledge the birth of new life.

I salute and congratulate mná na hÉireann on this day. Senator Devine would prefer it if I had a dress on or one of my colleagues was present instead. I take her point, but there is also a need to put matters in context. It is about gender equality and equality for all people. Today is a day for recognising and acknowledging the importance of women in society, Irish life and world affairs, but also-----