Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

You mention in your submission that you know of people as young as six years of age. It is a question of making ground on these issues. Twenty years ago I doubt that any Member of the Oireachtas or an Oireachtas committee would have engaged on this, so some progress has been made. Personally, I believe six years of age is a very tender young age. If the legislation could be brought forward and provided for the age of 16 years rather than 18 years, as the education committee has recommended, you would be achieving a tremendous amount. In my experience as a solicitor, I recall that in one instance in which I was involved offices such the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths were extremely facilitating, as was the Passport Office. I am not saying there are no difficulties as I am aware that bullying is an issue, although I am not sure if legislation will resolve that. I accept your comment that approximately 40% are in danger of committing suicide. I have seen those figures and I believe they are correct, but I am not sure if legislation in itself will address that. I believe there has to be a change in attitude by society in Ireland. I found your presentation very accurate.

Some progress is being made. The big move for us is that the legislation as proposed could be put on the agenda and instead of being planned be brought before the Oireachtas. We would very much like to have it brought before the Seanad, if that can happen in the lifetime of this Government. I am not sure where it stands at present.

With those observations I invite you to respond to the questions that were asked.