Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

If the Bill is an attempt on the part of Sinn Féin to embarrass the Government, then it has missed by a mile. If it is an attempt at having a positive impact in legislative terms, then it has missed by a country mile. The legislation before the House is completely unworkable and I advise other parties and individuals in opposition to vote against it when the debate concludes tomorrow evening.

In the context of Deputy Mac Lochlainn's comments, I welcome the Minister of State's announcement to the effect that the Government will shortly introduce, as promised, legislation to establish the new Irish human rights and equality commission. Further equality measures will also be introduced during the lifetime of this Administration. A commitment in that regard is contained in the programme for Government and that commitment is being delivered upon.

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