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

I would like people to note that and I thank the Minister of State for his response. Before concluding and with no other hands showing, I ask if it is agreed that the Clerk should write to the Tánaiste informing her that the committee has considered the general scheme of the equality/disability (miscellaneous provisions) Bill 2016 and is of the view that it is extremely important that the legislation be enacted without further delay in order that the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities can be ratified at the earliest possible date in 2017. Is that agreed? Agreed. We will so write to the Tánaiste. We would appreciate if in tandem the Minister of State continued his efforts with his senior Minister in the Department of Justice and Equality to ensure the legislation is enacted at the earliest possible date.

I thank the Oireachtas Library and Research Service for the significant work it has put into preparing for pre-legislative scrutiny. The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission is also to be thanked for its substantial work and effort, as is the combination of groups including the Transgender Equality Network Ireland, GLEN and BeLonG on their respective interests and focus. All these bodies have provided invaluable information to inform the committee. That concludes this section of our public session today. I thank the Minister of State and take the opportunity on behalf of the committee to wish him well for the Christmas season.