Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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On the points made by Deputy Jack Chambers, there are a number of drafting issues that have to be resolved. I am guided by the legal advice I have been given, and legal advice has to come first for these amendments.

Deputy Clare Daly made a point about fair trials. It is a very complex situation, and there is a lot of work that has to be done in this area.

On Deputy Wallace's point about the Irish Deaf Society, it is important that people realise that not only were the Deputy and the society upset, but I was upset as well. There have been a few differences of opinion on this issue in recent weeks. The Irish Deaf Society had a problem last year and we provided bridging funding of €195,000. The plan was that that money was to sort it out for 2018 and that a proper plan would be put in place for 2019. I told people to get on with it, but it did not happen in the way I wanted it to happen, and it then exploded. The way that happened was unacceptable, and I have made that point twice at two meetings of the Government. Different sections have to get their act together when it comes to deciding on core funding, which will be decided over the next couple of days. I am particularly annoyed because the Irish Deaf Society, which the Members here present all supported, was very supportive during the debate on the Irish Sign Language Bill, which was brought through the Houses by Senator Mark Daly, among others. We worked together for six or seven months, along with Gerry Maguire, my adviser, and the Department of Justice and Equality. Many compromises were made by all sides. Part of my agenda was that the Irish Deaf Society be properly supported and funded, but that is another issue. The matter will be resolved this week, and there will be stable funding in place from now on.