Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I apologise as we had to go for a vote but I suppose that is democracy in action. Senator Bacik could have avoided being present because she is totally on top of her brief in this regard.

In the context of pre-legislative scrutiny of Bills in terms of human rights, I believe it should be proofed on a range of different angles. The more it is proofed, the better the legislation is. Could the witnesses point to international best practice in this area or does Parliament, as is the case in this country, end up proofing legislation from a human rights perspective or any other perspective?

Reference was made to the importance of NGOs. I agree they play a critical role. Is it the contention of the witnesses that the Government does not have the type of engagement with NGOs it should have in the pre-legislative scrutiny period or at any stage? Do they believe NGOs need to streamline in the way organisations under the ambit of the public service have done, for example, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission coming together? I think the two agencies were a perfect fit. I contend that there are probably too many NGOs. Should NGOs form synergies and come together in order to be much more influential and effective?