Noel Grealish (Galway West, Progressive Democrats)

Fine Gael's sorry performance has been exposed enough. In light of the legislative issues that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform detailed last night, he has suggested a six-month period to allow the topic to be thought through more thoroughly. He has also assured the House that it is not an evasive action. The broad issues raised and addressed by Senator Morrissey certainly merit such consideration, which holds the key.

The sections of the 1997 Act that deal with this area were drafted on the basis of recommendations from the Law Reform Commission. This House must exercise great caution when it comes to amending that law. Senator Morrissey has demonstrated that reasonable and considered amendment is possible. Fine Gael wanted us to make new law in this area last night that would do a disservice to this House and, most importantly, to those whom it represents. Rushing through the flawed Fine Gael proposal would have been entirely wrong, and I echo the Minister's call for those who have brought forward Private Members' Bills to think through carefully the full implications of their suggestions.

The Government has committed itself to considering all the issues. The approach suggested by Senator Morrissey is right. I therefore oppose Fine Gael's Bill and support the Minister's proposal as outlined yesterday evening.

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