Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is all relevant because we are passing the Bill and many people have fundamental issues with it. Then they see the other side and legislation that has been passed which is not being enforced. Worse, and no disrespect to the Leas-Cheann Comhairle who I am told is an eminent barrister in her other life, is free legal aid and the whole circus. Legislation on tagging was passed by the House and it seems to have got lost. I am not saying to tag everybody but serial convicted persons who offend again should be tagged. Legislation was passed by the House but it seems to have fallen between the cracks. The Garda is not using it. I understand it is private companies that do it. It is not working. Look at the legislation we have and the failures in it. Make haste slowly with regard to this new territory and the speed we are doing it at. I for one will be monitoring this with my colleagues in the Rural Independent Group. Everybody should be entitled to have their voices heard respectfully and with dignity. This is also the case with the people when they see things changing.

I heard a Deputy refer to teachers being told what to teach in school and what is not on the curriculum. This needs to be seriously examined. There is pressure on people who have decided to homeschool their children. They are good people. They are being put under pressure and brought before the courts because they will not allow all kind of access to their homes. The family home is sacrosanct unless there is something weird going on there. This has gone way too far and I say it must stop. People are entitled to homeschool their children. They do not agree with the practices changing in the schools at an enormous rate. They are concerned. They are being hauled before the courts. That is what is being done.

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