Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister whom I have got to know in the past seven years because we sat beside each other at a committee. I regard her highly and know that she listens. Today she will have listened and learned. I have been present for the two and a half hours of this debate and listened and learned. I have listened to the stories told, many of which I knew. Senator Mary Ann O'Brien talked about her experiences, while Senator John Crown and others also spoke about theirs. Recently I was in a house with a carer and saw the need for and the benefit gained from a respite care allowance.

Yesterday I spoke about Members of the Oireachtas having a responsibility to run the State in a manner on which we could look back with pride because we had kept it safe. I said that I intended to support the Minister on the Bill and hoped we could make positive changes to it in the Seanad. I believe she has listened to us carefully today. Senator Fidelma Healy Eames has pointed out that the legislation will not come into operation until 1 June. Therefore, the Minister has six months to think about what she has learned from us today. She will have everybody's support if she agrees that the Bill is not the right way to go. Of all of the items contained in it the respite care grant has been the focus of attention.

Senator David Norris has said the Seanad needs to earn people's respect and trust, but we must respect the responsibility we have been given. Sometimes we must pass legislation, even if it is tough. I recall my experience in business when I made mistakes and put off making decisions because I thought that there might be another way. Unfortunately, the problems always became worse and eventually one had to take a step, which might have meant a sector had to be closed, resulting in a loss of jobs. It was then that I realised that I should have faced up to the challenge earlier.

Senator Paul Bradford said we should have debated the measures in the Bill and done so well ahead of time. If we had had more time to debate the Bill, most of it would have remained intact. However, this aspect would not have remained in it because the Minister would have been influenced by the depth of feeling shown and decided against its inclusion. I shall support the Bill because I am confident that the Minister will do something about the respite care grant when she has time to consider the matter. When we finish the Committee Stage debate, I would like to hear her say she intends to do everything she can to take account of the depth of feeling shown and the emotions expressed today. The Seanad places its trust in her to ensure the legislation will be something of which we can both be proud. If she does not deal with section 5, she will not be proud of herself. I am confident, therefore, that she will do something about it in the months ahead. I do not know if she will be able to do so today, but I hope she will in time.

Yesterday I told the Seanad I would support the Bill. Members of both Houses have a responsibility to make tough decisions, even though they are unpopular. On this occasion the cut to be made is unpopular. If we are to be a successful nation and get ourselves out of difficulty, we must make tough decisions. We all rely on the Minister in this regard. I gather from what has been said she has six months in which to put the matter right and I hope this debate has helped her to move in the right direction.