Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senators Cullinane and Quinn and believe there is a middle ground. The Minister has very fairly indicated he will come back to this point. I appreciate what Senator Byrne is attempting to do but all sorts of different items may have sentimental significance for people and may be of value. There is no point in focusing on an engagement ring or trying to shape an amendment that applies only to that. We would be better off trying to come up with a wording that captures items of value in other ways. Perhaps it is not jewellery but items can be described in a different way and yet have the same sentimental and emotional attachment as the engagement ring described by Senator Byrne. Many items could be covered in a provision such as this. I know what he is trying to do but there is a better way of doing it.