David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House again. He has shown great and sympathetic interest in the Bill. He is committed to the area. I also welcome, in particular, members of the deaf community. I am glad to say that we have a signer with us today, which is not allowed in the Dáil and shows another advantage of Seanad Éireann. On the Order of Business today, the question of a signer for the emergency committee report that was broadcast on RTÉ television was raised. There was a signer, who was very noticeable. I was interested in following his signage.

I received a list of amendments proposed by the deaf groups and I signed them up immediately and sent them to the Bills Office. However, I was advised that it would be better if I withdrew them as Senator Daly was in consultation with the Government. Having taken a significant part in the debate, I am sorry that I did because, had I not, I would have had my name on all the amendments. However, that is a small issue that does not really matter all that much.

I compliment Senator Daly on his lengthy discussions with the Government and his success. Some 42 of 46 amendments originally proposed by the deaf community via Senator Daly have now been supported by the Government. One of the four remaining amendments was ruled out of order as it would create an expense on the Exchequer and the other three are small matters that are up for agreement and the Minister of State has suggested compromise. I also compliment the members of the deaf community for their persistence in pushing the Bill. Since it has pretty well all been agreed and I have a Commencement matter tomorrow, I will go home and study for that matter, but not before I have complimented the Minister of State, Seanad Éireann and Senator Daly, in particular, on concluding this work. It is important that the legislation becomes operative and that the Bill becomes an Act of the Oireachtas.

I understand there is a prospect that the amendment which has been ruled out of order as it would create a charge on the Exchequer will be more substantially addressed in Dáil Éireann.