Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will begin by apologising to the proposers, the Minister of State and the Leas-Chathaoirleach for being unable to contribute on Report Stage. I commend the proposers, in particular Senator Kelleher, who has done a phenomenal degree of work on this and other issues relating to human rights, civil liberties, equality and fair treatment. Civil liberties and human rights are beautiful things. They are things that we value, love and cherish for ourselves, and this legislation is about sharing that same ethos with people who come from elsewhere to live here. Trojan work has been done on the Bill and, notwithstanding what the Minister of State has said, today is a good day. As the Bill progresses to the other House, we will have the opportunity to refine it and deal with some of the issues, even though it is already commendable legislation, but that is up to Senator Kelleher and those who are champions in this field, such as the Minister of State.

Today is a good day and the Bill's passage through the House is welcome. I commend the proposers and the work that has been done.