Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We have moved on a significant distance over the past number of months. There have been major improvements, a major move in direction.

There is something important I want to point out to Deputy Gino Kenny on the key aspect here on the deprivation of liberty. I want to have space and time to have consultations with every disabled person, every civic group, every senior citizens' group, people with a mental illness and others who might come to me and propose amendments on the deprivation of liberty. I have an open door but I want to ensure that we consult. This is a sensitive matter, particularly for the vulnerable. I want to ensure that the legislation is right. The legislation will be published tomorrow and people will have an opportunity to examine it.

It is wrong to say it is the exact same. Two things have happened today. The Government formally agreed to ratify. That is the key message I want to send out today. The second message is we are moving on the legislation. We are moving on the consultation process.

See this speech in context