Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Like other colleagues, I am disappointed that one of our amendments was rejected by the Lower House, but on the positive side, as the Cathaoirleach pointed out, a number of other amendments were accepted. It is extremely constructive of colleagues on all sides of the House, including Senators Boyhan, Ó Domhnaill, Clifford-Lee and Bacik, not to delay this Bill, but I would not expect anything else from them because they well understand its importance. I am sure we will amend the Bill in the future to strengthen even further the rights of victims of crime. That should always be the case with legislation. Legislation should always be evolving. No legislation is cast in stone but is merely a starting point in terms of a parliamentary response to the challenges and difficulties in society. As parliamentarians, we should never be in a position where we do not continually amend Bills to make them reflect situations in society.

This is an extremely important Bill that is long overdue. I recall speaking in this House in 2011 and 2012 about the need to strengthen victims' rights and put them on a statutory framework. That has taken too long. I salute colleagues for not delaying this legislation any longer. I commend the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton, and the great work he is doing.