Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat. First, I commend my colleague Senator Lynn Ruane, not just in this Seanad term, but indeed in the last one, on all of her work in this area. This is a proud night for her. I know the term “life changing” can be thrown out occasionally but in this particular instance, it is apt. She and her group should be proud of what they have achieved. This life-changing piece of legislation will have far-reaching consequences, hopefully quickly, for many people.

As Senator Ruane outlined, we should encourage people to travel another road. Unfortunately for some, that road is blocked, before the journey even commences. Hopefully, this piece of legislation that the Senator has introduced will unblock that road for many people. Past indiscretions or convictions should not be an anchor to a person’s future. This legislation is real reform. I am delighted, on behalf of the Fianna Fáil group, to be associated with this, not just this evening, but in the previous term. I commend Senator Ruane again. It is a proud night. She should be proud of what she has achieved with this piece of legislation.