David Norris (Independent)

I have only just come back to the House, but I spoke on the previous Bill. It gives me great pleasure to welcome my old friend and colleague to the House as Minister of State. Long may she have the opportunity to come to this august Chamber.

This is an important Bill which was introduced by Senator Boyle and his former colleague Déirdre de Búrca. I have spoken with a number of people, several of whom I see in the House today, who take a particular view in this regard. There is a clear principle involved. The first question is that of the use of ECT on patients who do not give their consent. I feel passionately about this because I am old enough to have dealt with people within the gay community who were subjected to it.