Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes. I acknowledge the Senators' comments and applaud them for their work in this regard. The situation this Bill seeks to address is not one the majority of people will ever have to encounter. I agree with Senator Ó Clochartaigh, however, in that for those who do encounter it, I can only imagine the consequent pain and grief that arise and, unfortunately, will continue. As a society, we can do little to mitigate the natural sense of loss that occurs when a loved one unexpectedly goes missing. As the Legislature, we have the capacity to intervene to alleviate some of the more practical problems that confront individuals in managing day-to-day affairs.

In this regard, I compliment our colleague, Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell, on her fine report on dying, death and bereavement. If she does no more in her parliamentary life, she will have left an important mark with that report. She is monitoring closely its implementation across a range of Departments. I welcome that. It is a fine service that she continues to apply herself towards.

Speaking on behalf of the Government, I am conscious of the fact that the current legislative provisions relating to missing persons require modernisation. I am also conscious that, in reforming this area of law, far-reaching changes must be made to the legal framework relating to the ways in which the affairs of a missing person are handled. We must strive towards a delicate balance between the need to address the practical problems facing those left behind and the significant implications of declaring a missing person dead in line with Senator Colm Burke's contribution.

We will work with Senators in framing the amendments. They are necessary, on which point I detect Senator Colm Burke agrees. I thank the House for addressing this important issue. It is my intention to have matters completed by the end of the year, although we are subject to the vagaries of the Business Committee and pressing legislative requirements. I hope to return to this legislation at an early date and before year's end.