Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

I make that statement personally and on behalf of every member of the Government. That must be put clearly on the record.

We will not ignore the observations of the Irish Human Rights Commission. It seems those observations are quoted here at length only when it suits people. The amendments tabled by Senator Alex White and his colleagues in the Labour Party and by Senator Mullen, respectively, are essentially enabling provisions. I could easily accept these amendments and do nothing for the time being. Our objective, however, is to get on with providing the necessary protections and services to help those people who have been or will be victims. That is the reality.

If I remember correctly, Senator Alex White spoke critically about enabling provisions on Second Stage. I hope I am not misrepresenting the Senator but it is my recollection that he contended that enabling provisions are of little benefit if the follow-up services and regulations are not put in place.