Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In light of what has happened to the amendment I tabled, while I do not want to over-egg the point, I am disappointed that, having come to the House to address the amendment, I was to be told that it had been ruled out of order. That is disappointing, not just for me but for the people who we are trying to assist with the amendment. Regardless, I support Senator Ruane's amendment, what it seeks to do, and the balance that it tries to strike in assisting and empowering the women who have sought redress and more specific, bespoke support services as required and necessary. Like Senator Ruane, my colleagues in the other House will table amendments, since they are not as hindered or restricted as we unfortunately are in this House by Standing Orders, to try to ensure that this legislation is strengthened, as our amendment sought to do. Its purpose was to assist, support and help the qualifying survivors in a practical and tangible way. It was an important but, in the greater scheme of things, modest proposal. Unfortunately, our amendment will not be moved today but we will support amendment No. 2 in Senator Ruane's name.