Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for the opportunity to contribute. I followed the debate on the monitor and have been very interested in it. I say, "Well done", to Senator Leyden. Any Deputy or Senator has the right to table a Private Members' Bill and this is what he has done. That certainly marks a milestone for which we applaud him and thank those who helped him. With the most worthy of motives, Ministers of the highest and lowest level bring forward legislation to the Houses of the Oireachtas. Often the language in the Bills is complex and not understood by ordinary folk. However, people understand matters such as wills because they are of everyday interest. The lesson in this for legislators is that if they want to engage with the public, they must ensure the legislation is understandable, simple and appealing to the people.