Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Yes. We have to pass Bills and make laws on the basis that everybody seeks to do their best and has good intentions. We do not legislate for the one or two people who not operate on that basis, rather we legislate for the good of communities and families. When I heard the word “prescribed” mentioned it brought me back to the world of medics and nursing. We prescribe this and that medication but if we get it wrong we would get it wrong all the time. The prescription is constantly changing because if one medication does the suit, the next one will not suit. We have to find something that fits the individual. Senator Higgins's suggested amendment is reasonable and it should be inserted. I am not saying we lack compassion but this Bill does not seem to encompass all we could do to have compassion for people who lose their employment and livelihoods and, as a consequence, cannot afford to heat their homes or feed their children. I support Senator Higgins’s amendment. It is well-intentioned.