Brendan Ryan (Labour)

Yes, but 200 years ago no one was enlightened about women's rights. Even women were not enlightened about their rights. The slavery theme grows and one can observe a timeline in the increase of the ferocity of the legislation against it.

Since I was first elected to the Seanad, I have always argued the phrase "vagrancy" should not exist in legislation. It is not as offensive as "imbecile" or "lunatic" but it is a product of another time. It is a judgment and presumption about very poor people.

I am intrigued by the Irish Musical Fund Act 1794 and legislation concerning disorderly houses. I presume the latter refers to drink rather than politics.