Marie Moloney (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I add my voice to welcoming the Bill and I thank the Minister of State and his officials for all the work they have done, for working with us in the background and for taking on board our views. This has been fiche bliain ag fás, with 20 years of campaigning and hard work on behalf of the organisations in the Gallery and I commend them for it. I am delighted, notwithstanding people believe there are omissions and flaws in the Bill, as we have brought through ground-breaking legislation. In two years' time there will be a review and in three years' time it will be laid before the Houses. We may not be here to discuss it but we have done our bit to get it moving. I have no doubt those organisations will still exist in two years' time and they will campaign for any changes which need to be made. It will not be left on the back burner. By enshrining the review in the legislation we are ensuring it will take place, and it is a vital part of the legislation to know the review will take place. I am delighted the Minister of State has accepted some of the amendments from Senators. As has been stated, this is a good day for the Seanad and it proves we are worth having.