Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I very much welcome the passage of Committee Stage of the Bill. I look forward to our taking Report and Final Stages in the same mature, considerate and compassionate mode which has applied yesterday and throughout today, on Second Stage and in the earlier deliberations during the hearings in January and May. I hope there will be a reflection of the thought and care exercised by members of the committee in the preparation of amendments and ideas to address perceived deficiencies in the areas they sought to strengthen. The variety of views presented which will help to inform the wider public discourse which has undoubtedly continued in parallel to our engagement yesterday and throughout today.

This has been a very difficult issue for members across all shades of political opinion to address. The issues at the core of the legislation have had a very rocky address in the past. Undoubtedly, there has been a movement forward on the part of public opinion, which is reflected in the fact that we have been able to address the matters involved in what I have described as a very mature, calm and reflective mode. This is the way it should be and I hope it will continue to a successful conclusion.