Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I included the idea of this Bill, initiated by Senator Colm Burke and seconded by me, in my report on dying, death, and bereavement primarily because of the concept of spending 30 years bereaved without knowing where someone is.

In the past ten years, 360 people have not been located. While I understand that there is a problem with what we consider to be temporarily missing and being declared dead, we must progress this Bill. The Minister is more hopeful than certain but we should be more certain than hopeful that the amendments will be forthcoming and the Bill will progress through the House. We are ready to do that. Senator Colm Burke is ready to receive all and any amendment. Given his legal background, he will be able to deal with them. We need them. People should not have to wait ten years at an impasse. I could feel this issue through the report in terms of bereavement, not knowing and the business of one's estate not being put in order. I am more certain than hopeful, and co-operative with the Government, on this occasion.