Eileen Flynn (Independent)

I second the motion. I thank Senator Ruane and her office for bringing forward this important legislation. As the Senator said, this issue does not impact on many people within Irish society but it will have an impact on people seeking parole. I support the Bill as it will bring fairness and justice.

As a member of the Traveller community, a minority group, I know how unfair the justice system can be to people from minority groups. Earlier today, Senator Ruane and I discussed how some people do not understand what is written on a search warrant. This legislation is very straightforward. It gives a person the opportunity to again participate in society and build up trust in society. We do not talk enough about this issue. There is a sense that people who do the crime do the time and that kind of thing and people should be given a second chance. We have seen the provisions in this Bill work in other parts of Ireland and in other countries.I understand this Bill will not be accepted this evening. We look forward to debating this legislation again and the Minister's office really taking it into consideration. We know the Minister's heart is in the right place when it comes to justice but justice is not just for one certain set of people. It is also for people going through the system.