Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I wish to support the Bill. I have not read it fully but I listened to some of the debate and I believe Senator Henry has brought credit to the Seanad by introducing this Bill; she has talked about it for a long time. That a woman has introduced it is interesting because I would not find delightful at all the words which Senator Norris mentioned. They were an affront to sensibilities and would not skip lightly off the tongue and in the Bill Senator Henry seeks to address this.

Senator Norris mentioned Bills put down by the Independent Members but Senator Brian Hayes has a Bill on the Order Paper. From this side Senator Leyden successfully piloted a Bill on wills, which has passed all Stages in the Seanad. This Seanad has had a pretty good record of introducing Private Members' Bills. As well as being a scrutinising and reviewing Chamber, our protocol allows us to introduce Bills. I am delighted the Minister of State has agreed to accept the Bill. I commend Senator Henry on what she has done. Senator Norris spoke of her not returning. I presume that is freedom of will.