Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

With respect, I am not asking that the word "promote" be replaced with "facilitate". I am asking that both be included in order that the provision might have a broader effect. The Minister is correct in that this matter has not been dealt with in legislation heretofore and I compliment her on seeking to address it now. However, there is nothing to prevent us from making the legislation even stronger. What the Minister has stated is not a reason for failing to strengthen the legislation. She has often referred to what is being done in the Bill as the biggest reform of the public service that the Government has undertaken. This legislation is extremely important and we have been waiting for it over 18 months. All I am trying to do is ensure the system will operate in the best way possible from the outset. I am not suggesting we substitute the word "facilitate" for "promote, rather I am advocating that it be added to the provision to broaden and strengthen it and ensure there will be no recurrence of the horrific events recounted in the report on child death and many other reports. That is the position from which I am coming in this matter. Inclusion of the word "facilitate" would strengthen the provision. It certainly would not weaken it in any way. In that context, I ask the Minister to reconsider.