Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief. I do not disregard what Senator Conway has said but I share Senator Kelleher's sentiment. It is not even a case of concern as we are all on the same page here. We all seek to have the best legislation passed because, as Senator Conway-Walsh said during her contribution, this is about helping people and supporting existing and future victims.

I wish to hone in, first, on the issue of engagement. The Minister of State has committed to a process of engagement with Senators because we seek the best form of legislation that takes on board the sentiments we have expressed. The sentiments on definition are very important and they are shared by many Senators. The timeline is also an issue and Senator Norris touched on it. I do not suggest for a moment that it would be the case - this is why engagement is key - but the last thing we would want to see is something coming back on Report Stage and then we would not have an opportunity to amend it. I want a commitment that the engagement will begin soon and will be forthright. The Minister of State has a willing audience in terms of Members of the Seanad. I reiterate the point made by Senator Norris that if we are waiting on the results, we will be waiting for a fairly long time.