Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I just have a couple of other questions. It is about getting heard. Obviously, the witnesses have expertise in their field. Departments are coming to them looking for that expertise, but then not treating them with the respect they deserve. That is absolutely so important.

Recently, I read that the very first drafts of the South African bill of rights were written in Dublin by lawyers of the African National Congress who were living in exile. It is amazing that such a historic and transformative document began its life here. This underscores the lack of progress, North and South, in the production of our own bills of rights. Do the witnesses think we need to recentre this as a political goal? It is absolutely vital we get the bill of rights up and running. What impact could it have on life in general on this island of Ireland? Can the witnesses speak a bit in this regard? Ms Eileen Weir spoke a good deal about the importance of a bill of rights when she was before this committee a couple of weeks ago. Maybe the witnesses can comment on this matter also.