Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is very welcome, as always. I echo the words of Senator Zappone that it is an honour to play even a small part in shaping this legislation on our equality and human rights framework. I thank Senator Zappone, who has great expertise in the field of human rights and equality law, for having conveyed the rationale behind the amendment so articulately and convincingly on Committee Stage and again today.

I thank the Minister and her officials for recognising the importance and added value of the amendment Senator Zappone and I tabled on Committee Stage last Thursday. It is difficult to argue against the added value of including the proposed provision. As the Minister stated, the commission, where it deems it appropriate do so, may act strategically and carry out an equality and human rights review of a public body, requiring same to prepare and implement an equality and human rights action plan. This will impose a positive duty on public bodies, which is something on which we all agree.

I am very honoured to support the amendment. I also thank Senator Zappone, the departmental officials involved and the Minister for her generosity in taking on board our arguments. The version before us is good and I am pleased to support it and see the Bill passed. I acknowledge the leadership and sense of urgency shown by the Minister on this legislation.