24 February 2004
Dr. Henry: It is good to see how the Minister took this on. I could see that he and his officials had not thought of this. The bones of Senator Terry's amendment are here. It makes a very big difference to the situation regarding the employment of disabled people. The worst thing that could happen is that people would be employed as cheap labour.
Dr. Henry: I move amendment No. 16:
In page 29, lines 41 to 44, to delete all words from and including "she" in line 41 down to and including "or" in line 44 and in page 30, to delete lines 1 to 3 and substitute the following:
"she requires persons who are not EU nationals or refugees to fulfil reasonable requirements in respect of length of residency in the State.'.".
The Minister of State said Senator Tuffy made a compelling case for amendment No. 14. I hope I did the same when I tabled this amendment on Committee Stage. I pointed out that there are people who are neither EU nationals nor refugees, but who could be living here with taxpayers and who should be considered for grants on the length of their residency in the State. I do not think a large number of them would apply. However, I gave a few instances where people from abroad had found themselves no longer with the finances to continue their education here and where money had been found for them. I asked that this amendment be accepted to ensure that these issues would not be considered on a case by case basis. I hope the Minister of State did not tell me he would look at it simply to get rid of me and that he has a favourable response. I am always nervous when there is no asterisk before the amendment.
Dr. Henry: I thank the Minister of State for considering the amendment and pointing out how the categories for those to whom grants can now be given has been broadened. I am grateful for this information.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Dr. Henry: I thank the Minister of State and his officials for the way that they obviously considered what was said on Committee Stage. It is disappointing if one's amendments are not accepted on Report Stage, but not if they have been considered. We were not elected to loll around on the back row. All Members have a duty to the constituents of our panels and the public to make an effort to ensure that legislation is dealt with properly in this House. The Minister of State always succeeds in achieving this in a respectful manner.
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