Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The key issue NGOs and the Centre for Disability Law and Policy at NUIG have raised is that the legislation must comply with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. That is the key concern they have and, obviously, it is an important one. I ask that the Minister of State continues to engage with these civil society partners who work at the frontline. In fairness to the Minister of State, I acknowledge that she very much respects that. It is notable that on Committee and Report Stages, there have been significant numbers of amendments from the Minister of State and, as such, the legislation is a work in progress. The Minister of State is right that we need to get the Bill over the line now. I would like to see that happen too. Before we go to the Seanad, I ask the Minister of State to engage to ensure that the NGOs and the centre at NUIG are satisfied that the legislation complies with the UN convention. If they are, I would be very much satisfied from an Opposition perspective. I acknowledge the progress that has been made and hope we can make the legislation as strong as possible by the time it comes through the Seanad.

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