Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for the response. In one sense, it is positive. I agree with all the points made and sentiments expressed by the Minister of State in respect of why the Bill is necessary and why it needs to progress.I am worried about the lack of detail around timelines. It is a worry because we have already been waiting four years. I understand the need for pre-legislative scrutiny by the health committee. Does the Minister of State have a date for when that could begin, for example? My worry is that, to be frank, we will not make the Christmas deadline as suggested by the Minister during the summer.

It would also be helpful for me if the Minister of State could confirm that protecting industrial action will be part of the Bill. It should be; there should not be anything controversial about that. Will he confirm that the Garda will be given the necessary powers? Equally important, will he commit to ensuring the Bill has inclusive language, for example, using phrases such as “women and pregnant people”? It is very important that the Bill uses inclusive language. Can the Minister of State give a positive response on those points today at the very least?