Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank everybody who has contributed to this debate. I thank Senators Gavan and Moynihan for tabling the Bill and working so tirelessly to get it to where we are today. I acknowledge that amendments have been tabled and debate was allowed on them. This is democracy at its best and it was all facilitated.

I am taking this Bill on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly. He apologises for not being here as I explained earlier. The Acting Chairperson asked a question when she was contributing from the floor. From speaking to the Minister and his officials I know that in the past two weeks, and the Senator is aware of it, they have met the health committee and there is progress on crafting the legislation. A powerful debate has taken place here in pulling it all together. I hear the respect of all parties and other Members in support of safe access to health care with nobody being intimidated so people are able to access healthcare facilities. I am delighted to be here to facilitate debate. I was supposed to meet Brain Injury Ireland and it is important to acknowledge that meeting was dropped and Brain Injury Ireland facilitated me being present for this debate. If the Minister were here he would have wanted to ensure the Bill completed its passage through the House and I thank the Seanad for allowing it. I also acknowledge the work of the people in the Gallery. They have been here for the past number of hours and have seen democracy at its best. As Senator O'Loughlin said, they have engaged over a long period of time on this issue and I acknowledge their presence.