Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I pay tribute to all who contributed to the Bill. The debate reflected the strong cross-party dimension that has always existed in this Chamber on issues such as mental health, disabilities or child protection. Given that mental health and disabilities do not get much of the spotlight, it is fitting that the last piece of business in this Seanad was on mental health. I thank the Minister of State and her staff and all the staff of the Chamber.

An essential plank to what we are all trying to achieve when it comes to very vulnerable people is the bringing forward of mental capacity legislation. Significant work has been done in that area in recent years and I ask the Minister of State to make it a priority. I welcome her comments last night on that issue.