Lorraine Clifford Lee (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I commend Senator Ruane and her team for bringing before the House this excellent proposed legislation. Senator Ruane outlined in very clear and concise terms why this legislation is absolutely needed. It is a human rights issue and a compassionate piece of legislation. Irish people are known to be a compassionate people. We all have had second chances in our lives in one form or another. It is only right and proper that people who have committed crimes in certain circumstances are given that second chance and can move on with their life. Nobody chooses a life of crime but some people are forced into a life of crime due to addiction - as Senator Black outlined - or through poverty, abuse and certain circumstances. People need to be allowed to move on from that. It not only benefits the person, it also benefits the person's family, community and wider society. Fianna Fáil supports the Bill. We tabled a number of amendments to the 2016 Act that are similar to what is contained in this Bill. At the time the Government did not take those amendments. I was very happy to hear Senator Conway's contribution tonight and hopefully he can bring the party along to accept, more or less, what has been presented to us by Senator Ruane.

I thank the Senator for bringing this excellent Bill to the House and for putting such time and effort into it. She has outlined why such legislation is ultimately needed by society. It will be excellent legislation and I give her Fianna Fáil's support.