Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I apologise to the Ceann Comhairle, as I never congratulated her on her official status.

I welcome the Minister's response and the fact that the Bill is being finalised. I read the report of the Joint Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands. In fairness to its recommendations, I was a bit worried when the Minister said there might be some complications. However, if a draft Bill is now being finalised, I would be very interested in working with him. We will give any support we can. This is about doing the right thing for people. Bills sometimes fall, get lost or are shelved but I am passionate about this one because, whenever you can help someone who is at a disadvantage and you can get that right, it is a great day for everybody and a win for everybody. I thank the Minister for his response and I look forward to working with him and keeping an eye on the Bill.

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