David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I second the amendment and support Senator Leyden's remarks. I do not wish to delay the House on this amendment, which I consider to be straightforward. I agree with the Senator on the need for greater visibility regarding the issue of educational welfare, which would help in ensuring buy-in from staff from the National Educational Welfare Board, and this amendment should be supported. In general, as Members progress through all the amendments that have been tabled, the Minister will be aware that my party supports the Bill. I believe it has the support of all parties and Independent Members in the House and in this context, all the amendments tabled are to improve the Bill and to help and assist the Government. Consequently, it is to be hoped that in the spirit of political reform, the Minister will engage with Members and will accept some of the amendments tabled. Other Senators may make a similar point as the debate continues because to do otherwise does a disservice to both the House and the Government, when genuine engagement takes place on a Bill for which there is support but on which there are views on how it can be improved. I wish to signal this point to the Minister before progressing further on Report Stage.