Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I shall be brief as other Senators have spoken very eloquently.

Section 8 was one of the sections that many of us engaged with the Irish Deaf Society and other representatives on, most particularly because immense concern was expressed that the section would not be watered down or diluted unduly. Certainly, the proposed ministerial amendment that we saw, or the draft amendment, appeared to be of real concern in that it would dilute the provision.

It is important to note, and as Senator Norris has pointed out, a public body is clearly defined in section 2 of the Bill and, indeed, we have now amended the definition by way of amendment No. 3. It is quite a precise definition of a public body. It is important that section 8 is read in the context of the definition. I support the section as personally constituted.