I had intended to thank the Leader for proposing to take the motion on Syria without debate. I had not realised it would give rise to conflict but I will be pleased to withdraw it to try to reach an agreed version of the text. I corresponded with all the group leaders on the motion and I was aware that Sinn Féin was not willing to sign up to it. However, we secured support from the Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil parties, Senator Higgins and, obviously, the Technical Group and Labour Party, which initiated the motion. I am disappointed there is contention regarding the motion, which focuses specifically on the terrible atrocities in eastern Ghouta and civilian deaths in that region. Our desire was to focus on that issue. Colleagues can table motions on human rights abuses and violations in other areas and I would be pleased to support them. I communicated with Senator Conway-Walsh that I could not accept the amendments she suggested to the original version of the motion. However, I accepted amendments from other colleagues and I believed we had produced a fairly uncontentious motion calling for repeated, continuous and unhindered access to eastern Ghouta and other besieged areas in Syria for United Nations-led humanitarian relief operations. As I stated, I am willing, with the assent of the Leader, to withdraw it from the Order Paper if there is some dispute over it. I am disappointed nonetheless.

Senators would like a debate on the motion.

We will have a debate.

Perhaps we could debate when the House returns after the break. As I said, I understood there was strong support for the people of Syria in this House. I am, therefore, disappointed by this.

On the verdict announced yesterday in the trial in Belfast, I ask the Leader to arrange a debate when we return on the trial of sex offences in this jurisdiction. We have had some significant changes to the law here and reforms in the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act. The Domestic Violence Bill, which is before the Dáil this week, will also make some changes. We could reflect further on how we can reform our processes to ensure the experience of reporting a rape or sexual assault and giving evidence in court is not like a secondary victimisation for any complainant. I am conscious, as I have outlined elsewhere, that the procedures here are more humane for both the accused and complainants in terms of publicity and privacy in the courtroom and so on.

I wish Senators a happy Easter. On our return on 17 April, we will have a transition year debate with Díospóireacht na nÓg in the Seanad Chamber, as agreed by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, as part of our Vótáil 100 programme to commemorate the centenary of women's suffrage. I hope colleagues from all sides will be able to come along and watch 16 wonderful young people taking part in the debate in the Seanad Chamber.

As the motion on Syria is on the Order Paper, it is a matter for the Leader to amend the Order of Business if Senator Bacik is minded to withdraw the motion. The Leader can deal with that matter in due course.