Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I still believe mine could be better than, or at least equivalent to, the Minister's. It is important to have guidelines and benchmarks. I accept what Senator Mooney said - namely, that that is not standard practice. That does not mean I would not argue for it.

Senator Norris said in response to Senator Bacik that if we start naming certain guidelines or benchmarks we might not be inclusive of everything. It does not prevent us from bringing in other measures. I also believe if we are looking at compliance with international human rights law, regional law or best practice, to which I will return shortly, it would necessarily include that. That comes out of the practical experience. It is a reflection on the practical experience of the suffering and the challenges, and perhaps the freedom, in terms of the ways in which others experience different legislative measures in other jurisdictions. I challenge some of what Senator Bacik has said but I do hear and accept some of the good points.

The Government amendment states: "... not later than two years after this section comes not operation, commence a review of the operation of this Act ...." and the Act, at least for the moment because we are not yet dealing with those sections of the Bill, currently excludes children as we define it and understand it in the way we would wish.

I would be concerned about the comments in regard to international best practice.