David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Oireachtas has been doing a lot of spring cleaning in the area of family law. This is a very good thing. The role of this House, in particular, is significant and important in this regard because this is a reflective Chamber. I spoke only once on this occasion. I said what I had to say and I sat and listened. I was greatly informed by what was said. I decided not to speak further because I believed it was important to pass the Bill and not hold it up with interminable, long-winded speeches.

This is a very good day for the Seanad but the Bill is only half way there. I join others in urging the Minister to progress the legislation because it is really only in the abstract until it becomes law. There is a very substantial body of work. The Minister may feel it needs to be tweaked in certain ways but he has the opportunity in the Lower House to do so. I look forward confidently to this legislation passing into law. I congratulate the three Senators who proposed the Bill.