Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am disappointed with the answer. I understand there are delays and competing interests in the Department of Justice in particular, given the wait. However, the urgency of this is similar to other issues, such as thalidomide, when we are dealing with people who are affected by wrongdoing by the State. The longer it is delayed, the less effect it will have in the end because there will be fewer people who have suffered an injustice and, in this case, a heinous violation of their human rights for many decades. The effect will be gone. It was great that decriminalisation came about in 1993 because of the actions of those within the community, including former Senator, David Norris. We need to remember the work he carried out, and that of many others, to get people to understand the wrongs the State was involved in. I urge prioritisation of this legislation, given that people are getting older.

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