Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

With regard to the engagement from a wide range of people outside the House and from the people in the Visitors Gallery, in my experience with legislation, as a backbench Deputy, there has never been so much positive interaction on a legislative measure. The amendment made in this House related to the two year review. That is important and should be recognised as an important addition to the legislation before it goes to the Lower House. It lays down that it is two years and there will be a report within the year to both Houses. The legislation has been improved at all stages. One can see the fingerprints of the committee and one can also see the fingerprints of the Seanad. There has been an acknowledgement of the work done.

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for how well he chaired the proceedings and moved the business forward and I again thank the Senators for their engagement. It is much appreciated. However, the work starts today. There is an element of education, of making people aware and of acknowledging that there are issues in our education system and in our society. It is important to recognise all of our citizens as equals. This work will be built on in the future, and it is important and ground-breaking.

I also acknowledge the work the Tánaiste did on the Bill. It would not have been before the House as quickly and efficiently if she had not been supporting it 100%. I thank the Senators for all their work over recent weeks.