Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is an important Bill. Sometimes, the good things that are done in this House go unrecognised. It is extremely important that we recognise this is a good Bill. It might be technical, but technical Bills can sometimes have a profound effect. The Minister's officials, his wider support team and the staff of the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel deserve credit for the small, incremental steps that have been taken over recent months and years. They are making a real difference to people's lives.

I echo Senator Garvey's point about MS Ireland. The Minister of State, Deputy Rabbitte, was in attendance briefly at today's presentation. As I said, small actions, such as that proposed by MS Ireland, can make a profound difference to people's lives. I have no doubt the business case in this instance has gone in to the Minister and that his officials are going through it, along with many more proposals. There will be many requests and it will not be possible to accept all of them. Even if there could be a partial response to the request by MS Ireland this year, with provision thereafter to be made on a multi-annual basis, people would be very happy.

The Minister is busy and does not need to hear us talking about a provision that is good. However, it is nice to acknowledge it. Well done to him.