Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and through him the Government for bringing forward this important legislation. While it will not in any way rumble or disrupt the institutions of the State, it will be an important benchmark and legal landmark for those who have been caught in the situation outlined by many speakers and the Minister of State throughout this important debate.

Having accepted the Bill should pass it is important to put on record, and I am sure my colleagues have an equal point of view, that it has inherent flaws. Of all of the amendments the Government accepted, and I wish it had accepted more, the one whereby there will be a review of the legislation in two years' time is significant in the overall context of the debate. It means in light of their experience on a practical level, the very people to whom the Bill is aimed will have an important voice in speaking to whoever will be the Minister of State's successor. Having said this, I do not believe this argument will go away. I do not believe the areas of disagreement between the Minister of State and ourselves will go away. Perhaps this is a good thing, because it means the issues which were of particular importance and pertinent to the very lives of the people to whom the Bill is directed, and the impact it will have on them, will be very powerful weapons when it comes to the review process in two years' time.

Overall, I compliment the Government on bringing forward this legislation. Many people have been in the Gallery throughout the debate and I commend them for this. They have given advice, support and encouragement to all of us involved in the debate and I compliment them for this. I also compliment my colleague, Senator Averil Power, who drafted many of the amendments, particularly on Report Stage. She has taken a very proactive role in engaging with transgender people and their parents and families. This is a good day for democracy. It is a good day for the Seanad and it sends a very powerful message to the other House. I have no doubt the Minister of State will acknowledge the important contribution Members of this House have made to framing and shaping the legislation, flawed and all as I believe it still is, when he brings it before the Lower House.