Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

He knows what I am saying. Unless we are all on the one page about certain areas, the progress that is needed will not be made.

I do not think we are that far apart on most of the issues. When people become involved in politics, they do so in order to do the very best for everyone else. I do not think any party or individual is different in that regard.

This is a very historic day for all of us. When I discuss how we age, I always say that I do not intend to get old, rather, I just intend to keep on living. When the time comes, I want to be asked what I want to do, in terms of whether I want to remain living in the same place or need to move. I want my answer to be respected. The central elements of the Bill are respect, dignity and kindness.

I thank those in the Gallery, those outside of it and Members of the Seanad and Dáil for their contributions. We have taken them on board. The Bill was always about being open. The changes we will have to make in the future will be very important. We can be proud of ourselves in terms of the Bill and other legislation, such as the Mental Health (Amendment) Bill which will be debated on Thursday. There are times when one does something that will make a significant difference to each and every person who lives in this country.