Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)

I wish to reference something the Minister of State said, which the Minister previously said, that is a bit of a red flag for me in regard to the protection orders for victims outlined in the Bill. It was that "we cannot guarantee support for the Bill on Committee Stage in the absence of clear and convincing arguments on its added value". If the Minister needs additional proof to be convinced, the people in the Gallery will convince him. They are the people we need to listen to.

While I am talking about listening, I was contacted by one of the visitors in the Gallery who was concerned by what the Minister said. One person who was really upset and angry left. Other people were angry that the Minister was scrolling too long on his phone and not listening to what was being said. They were really upset.

See this speech in context