Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to say a final word because I tabled several amendments. Today is a great day because we have repealed the Lunacy Regulation (Ireland) Act of 1871. Even more important, we strove in this House, as have all of us with the Minister of State taking the lead, to stress the importance of assisted decision-making, how we look at people in very complex and human situations and ensuring that we have a legal framework for them. We have highlighted the importance of choice, control and consent.

I took a keen interest in this Bill because of my experience with my father who died recently. He spent his last few years in a nursing home so I have seen at first hand what happens in the nursing home setting. I have seen the pressures that not having advanced health care directives put on individuals, families, health care professionals and everybody involved in the process. What we have done here is historic and must be applauded. It is wonderful but we must see our changes put into practice and ensure that change happens.

This legislation is not just about legal changes but a huge cultural shift. We need to sing out and ensure that this cultural shift happens. I applaud the Minister of State on the work she has done. This legislation is not the end line but a starting line and I say well done to the Minister of State.