David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Speaking as the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, the only complaint I have about the Minister is that he works the committee too hard. The amount of legislation coming before us is unprecedented and its quality is without parallel. The Minister is an ideas man. If a Member from any side of the House approaches him with an idea, he will run with it. Last year a group of students visited the Oireachtas to request the introduction of a missing persons day to remember people who have been missing for more than 20 years. The Minister ran with the idea and the first missing persons day was held in Farmleigh in December last. The event was extremely emotional for the people affected. This is the type of thing the Minister does.

The legislation on assisted decision making before the House is ground-breaking. People from other countries have visited this country to examine the Bill as an example of best practice. While I do not always see eye to eye with the Minister, that is good because constructive debate is necessary.

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