Tom Clonan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her comments. Before I conclude, I thank all of my colleagues from the Civic Engagement Group, the Seanad Independent Group, the Labour Party, Sinn Féin and the Green Party who support my Bill. To echo Senator Ruane, I am an independent Senator and it is very difficult for me to secure time for a Private Members' Bill. To push this back for a year is an unnecessary and cruel action. I echo Senator McDowell's statement that this is purely an attempt to kill this Bill.

The contents of the Bill align with the Minister of State's mission. As regards everything she said, I wholeheartedly endorse the Minister of State's efforts and leadership. From the time we met in the Merrion Hotel shortly after she was appointed to her position, I know the Minister of State is a person who is absolutely motivated and of the utmost integrity. She must forgive me, however, because everything she said has absolutely nothing to do with what this Bill seeks to address. She mentioned pushback. We have the resources and specialists. What we do not have is a willingness to deal with and support our disabled citizens. That is why this Bill contains within it an obligation on the State and its agencies to provide therapies and supports. It is to overcome that pushback the Minister of State identified as being her most difficult challenge.

It is meaningless to seek to delay this Bill. By the time we get it through the various Stages, a year will have passed anyway. I am not being personal but this amendment is a cynical act of hypocrisy.