Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator did not let me finish. I am quite happy to come in here next week, pass the Bill as it is and not oppose it on any Stage next week. However, I do not think the Senator wants to do that, to be fair. I do not want to pass a flawed Bill which will fail to achieve what we both want to see happen, which is to uphold the rights of the deaf community. My office has been in touch with the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Justice and Equality and the Minister of State, Deputy McGrath, and I believe the amendments are not quite ready yet. I do not think that coming in here finger-wagging and insisting that the Bill be taken next week is the way to go. It could cause a division in the ranks or create the wrong impression. I have not got the information yet, but there were some proposals to go to Cabinet today from the Minister of State, Deputy McGrath. I am not quite sure whether they are there yet. I am happy to work with the Senator to ensure the Bill is passed by Easter, if possible, rather than having a deadline of next week. The Bill has to be debated in the House. I do not want to pass a Bill which is flawed, but I will happily do it. I have the same interests as the Senator and the same motivation to have that Bill passed. I do not think the Senator wants to have a flawed Bill passed. However, I will pass it next week, no bother. I will not divide the House at all on it.

Senator Warfield is right. It is important that in this House we have a diversity of voices.

I am happy to accept Senator Gavan's amendment to the Order of Business.