Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is such a missed opportunity. By getting behind Senator Clonan and the excellent work he has done for so long, we could have sent a powerful message to Government and, indeed, Opposition that finally, we have to be absolutely serious about giving rights to people with disabilities, and not just talking about it and making promises without timelines and firm commitments. I am hugely disappointed that Government Senators could not do better. In fact, I appeal to them to do better because I know that the Government has put down this amendment to kick the legislation down the road. Let us be clear, we all know what this is about; it is about killing this Bill.There will almost certainly be an election next year, so a 12-month delay is as good as killing this Bill. We all know that; let us not kid ourselves, se should do better. All of us should do better. I commend Senator Clonan on the tremendous work he has done. Collectively, we should do better this evening. I appeal to Members from Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party to stand firm behind what they know to be right rather than the Government line, in inverted commas. We could send a clear message of strength across this Chamber. We still have the ability to do so. I appeal to Government Senators of all parties to do the right thing and support Senator Clonan's excellent Bill.