Criminal Justice (Rehabilitative Periods) Bill 2018 [Seanad]: Second Stage [Private Members]
Dail Éireann — 2026-03-05
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Gary Gannon (SD), Dublin Central

It is never not a privilege to stand in this Chamber. Ever single day I take a breath and realise how important the work is that happens here, but this evening was a genuine privilege. It was a real honour to be here to discuss an issue that too often went undiscussed. I thank the Ministers of State for their contributions and the Department officials for their engagement. I look forward to bringing it to Committee Stage alongside Senator Ruane. I thank Deputies Heneghan and Ward for their contributions. It was genuinely lovely to hear the kind words said about Senator Ruane and her passion and conviction for bringing a Bill of this importance to the Chamber. Given the fact that I mentioned my own staff in our office, it would be remiss of me not to mention Lynn's parliamentary assistant, Robert Somerville, who is in the Gallery today and has also done amazing work in bringing this forward. Days like today show what can be achieved in politics with some perseverance. The capacity to work collaboratively across the Chamber and the fact that this is progressing to Third Stage is a reflection of nobody else's but Senator Ruane's heart, commitment and effort.
The Government has referred to some amendments. Lots of them have merit in them and I look forward to engaging on them at the committee.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-03-05/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:44+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-03-05