Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I commend the Minister of State, Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran, on bringing this important issue before the House. The protection of the right of people to be in their homes and everything that can be done to enhance the protection of family homes are terribly important.

I truly appreciate the amendments proposed by different Members of the House, but I have a concern about the amendments. While they are well-thought-out and genuine in thrust, the question of whether they will delay the Bill arises. This legislation is so important. I do not want to say it should be rushed through the House because rushed legislation is sometimes not good legislation, but this Bill is good in its entirety. If there are to be amendments, I am not keen for the Bill delayed too long. The people in their homes will benefit from the protection that this legislation would afford. That is what I would like to see.

I thank the Minister of State genuinely on behalf of the people I represent and the people who might be affected positively by this legislation being enacted. I thank him for doing this because it means a great deal. It is like everything in life: if it only helped one person, would it not be a big thing? That is not to mind the number of people it will help. If it only helped one family, would it not be a good day's work by us? We know it will obviously help a great many people. It would be wrong not to thank the Minister of State and his staff for preparing the legislation and bringing it before the House. It deserves to be supported. I know that the amendments are being put forward with nothing but good intentions, and I appreciate that. I do not want to be taking up time save to say those few words.

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