Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the passage of this legislation through the Dáil. A commitment was given to introduce it and I recognise the role of the previous Administration in trying to bring it to fruition. I also welcome that we will be able to enact it for 1 September, which was an important element of it.

Much has been said about new politics and this is first legislation that has come through the Committee on Justice and Equality. I commend the Minister on it. She made a number of commitments at that committee, although one fell through the gap with respect to Deputy Ó Caoláin, which I am sure will be rectified. In terms of the commitment she gave me around the protection element, she held fast to her word and brought forward her own amendment. If that is the type of co-operation we can continue to have as we come to deal with more lengthy legislation, the business will be done all the better and all the more speedily.

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