Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I came in to pay tribute to Senator Henry. I had listened to her contribution earlier. I hope she will not mind me saying she is a remarkable lady. The work she has put into the Bill is amazing. Not only her medical background but also the social conscience she has always demonstrated here have come across clearly. It is probably not an area that many would feel attracts much political kudos as it deals with probably the most vulnerable people in society. It is amazing that the legislation governing those areas and the accompanying language is so archaic. It is time we came into modern days and not simply talk about looking after those who cannot look after themselves, but also ensure those who do so are legally covered.

Senator Quinn quoted from personal experience having been asked to be executor of a will. He pointed out that some of the work he did may not have had any authority to back it up. While we did not question that in the past, we are now living in a different age. Obviously any one who takes the choice to help people is vulnerable if the law does not provide cover. I do not believe any of this motivated Senator Henry. Those who advised and helped her in many instances work at the coalface and wanted to bring it to the Legislative Assembly to ensure there was a legislative voice to cover the types of issues and people mentioned.

I pay tribute to Senator Henry. There was considerable sadness when Senator Norris said that although the Bill will remain on the Order Paper, Senator Henry may not be here to deal with it. That was the saddest part of all because the Senator has made such a contribution to the Seanad. This will be another monument to her and I compliment her on the work she has put in and the balanced way she presented it to the House. Above all we know the motivation she had in introducing it. I congratulate her.