Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the sentiment behind the Bill. I respect the fact that Senator Bacik has been working hard in the background and Senator Power has been working on it for a couple of years. I have lived with the fear as well in the context of my own life. We need to get it right and it needs to be robust.

I have a question. I feel a little frustrated, as I am sure Senator Power does, having tabled amendments. If we adjourn now, do we come back to Committee Stage and go through our amendments and not get any response from the Government because it has not had time to consider the Bill? I do not consider that is the most appropriate way to get this sorted because I can stand up and make my arguments and the Minister of State will say to us that she still needs to consider the response of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. Is that really a proper Committee Stage? I do not know that it is. I do not know whether we should adjourn Committee Stage. Senator Power also tabled some amendments for Committee Stage. That is my suggestion. I do not want to stand up and give my arguments for my amendments without having a response back from the Government. I do not think that is a proper way to make law.