Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister and I know people with intellectual disabilities will also appreciate it. I acknowledge the complexity, as the Minister has outlined, and therefore am happy to wait a bit longer for what she will bring forward. I absolutely agree, of course, that section 5, as it stands, is a blunt instrument. I am grateful to hear what the Minister has said and I know from my conversations with her and her officials that she is committed to the same principles that are behind my amendments. Hearing the different issues she raised is helpful in preparing my response to what she will bring next.

We all have responsibility to ensure protection is provided to those who need it. We also need to look very carefully at the complex issue of capacity. The advocates for people with intellectual disability, in referring to the issues of protection and capacity, simply say that many people with extra support needs can protect themselves and make up their own minds. We need to remember that as we deal with this part of the Bill.

Given that we did not have the Committee Stage amendments in advance, I would appreciate if the Minister could share the amendments she will table on Report Stage with me before we come here for discussion. That would be helpful in preparing my response.

In light of what the Minister has said, I will withdraw the amendment with the option to reintroduce it on Report Stage.