Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Following on from Senator Black's comments, this is the third largest Bill to have gone through the Houses and, in our opinion, it is one of the most important. As a group that stands for human rights and equality, our amendments are based on the public view as expressed to the committees we sit on. Some of our later amendments are based on human rights and equality. As Senator Black has rightly said, we feel that our amendments have not even got a look in. It is very disappointing for us. I wish to make Senators very aware that the public is watching and that votes are just around the corner. I ask that the amendments we have put in for people with disabilities, Travellers and ordinary people on the ground be respected. This is a Bill on planning and development. My mother - Lord, have mercy upon her - used to say that you should never take on a job you cannot handle. It looks like this is legislation we will have to keep coming back to. If we are going to do a job, we have to do it right. Deputy Noonan is the right Minister of State to have here today when we are dealing with human rights and equality. I urge both the Minister of State and our fellow Senators to really consider our amendments dealing with human rights and equality, especially those on Traveller accommodation.