Tom Clonan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is designed purely to kill the Bill. It flows from a systemic thinking that a good idea can only come from the Government benches. It is not being accepted because I sit on this side of the House. The Minister of State knows where I am coming from and the journey we have undertaken. I spent 20 years outside those gates holding up placards and made three attempts to get into this House. I have produced a Bill that would simply bring us into line with other civilised countries in the European Union and the Minister of State is prepared to push back on that.

I have learned something new today. When Senators leave, I ask them to walk past that young man, our family, and come back in here and vote. All those who tell me I am a great fella, which is a most compelling argument, are actually going to come in here and press that green button. I am speaking for people who cannot lift their hand to drink a glass of water. These are our most vulnerable and most precious citizens. Senators have an opportunity this evening to do the right thing or the wrong thing. They know in their heart of hearts the purpose of this delaying amendment; it is simply to kill the Bill. If it was about the desire of the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, to move things forward, why have I had no engagement from the Government parties since I had this Bill drafted? I spoke to members of those parties and they did not come back to me. I heard a deafening silence, with the exception of Senator Martin.

I thank Senator Doherty for facilitating me with a slot. She was very supportive. I asked representatives of each of the parties to come back to me with an indication as to whether they would support the Bill and I heard nothing. I got no response. I do not buy this idea that the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, is somewhere away in splendid isolation thinking about this and seeking to address the issues I have raised here.

I ask the Senators to do the right thing and support this Bill. This is the last fundamental human rights frontier in Irish society. I ask for a free vote if this amendment is pressed. I ask Senators to vote with their conscience, do the right thing and think about the families. I ask them to think about my daughter. The senior social worker in our community healthcare organisation asked me what I was worried about as I had a daughter who would look after my son when I was dead. That is Ireland. That is the Minister of State's pushback. I ask Members to vote for this Bill, empower people and give them the fundamental human right to the services and supports they need to live autonomous, independent lives with dignity. How could anybody push back on this? That was the very phrase the Minister of State used to describe her most significant and profound challenge. I ask Senators not do this to this Bill. Let me put it through the Stages. Let me take my chances.