Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I was quite happy to move the motion on the Order Paper to introduce the Bill last week and for Second Stage to be heard today. I thank Senator Clonan for bringing the Bill to the House and welcome his family to the Chamber. I am calling on the Government to withdraw the amendment. All I have heard are words, and everybody is fed up with words. I must say that over the last few weeks I have actually begun to believe that there is a change within certain parts of the Government to do the right thing. Even this morning, during the debate on the Order of Business, we heard about how inclusive this House is with regard to people with disabilities. We are able to live that message in here, yet there are families and children outside these walls who are struggling and need help. They need that help now. They do not need to hear what is going to be done in a year's time. I do not want to hear any more about what the Government is going to do in one year's time. The time for action is now. The time for families is now. I could not get a bus to bring one of the children with me today to visit the House because he is a wheelchair user. It is fine to visit the House, but I could not get a public bus for the child to come here today. These are real live issues that are affecting families. I could go on, and I have a speech prepared. I am asking the Minister of State to accept the Bill today. There is no need for the amendment. There is no need to play politics with it. The Minister of State has heard the passionate plea from our colleague today. We do not need to hear anything else. That is it. I urge her to do the right thing and accept the Bill.