Aontaím le go leor rudaí is a bhí an Teachta Ward ag rá. Ar dtús, gabhaim buíochas leis an Seanadóir Ruane as go leor rudaí. Tá sí an-chairdiúil agus gach rud mar sin. Tá sí tar éis á lán oibre a chur isteach sa Bhille seo. Ní féidir é sin a rá faoi go leor daoine. Tá sí tar éis obair na gcapall a dhéanamh. I commend her on that. I also thank Deputy Gannon for continuing the push to support an issue to move forward in the House, and for his continuous work in this matter. The Bill is ultimately about something very simple. It is about second chances. We all recognise that when someone commits a crime, there must be consequences. That is how our justice system works and how the majority of justice systems work in well-run countries. We also have to recognise that there is another reality. I have met a lot of constituents who have served sentences and stayed out of trouble, started a life, started a family and demonstrated that they have moved on with their life. We should allow them the opportunity to rebuild that life. That is what the Bill really should lean into. Aontaím le go leor rudaí is a bhí an Teachta Ward ag rá. Tá mé ag tnúth go mór leis an gcomhrá ar fad agus gach duine sa Teach seo ag cur gach rud le chéile. Tá sé an-tábhachtach go mbeimid ag labhairt faoin Bhille agus go dtiocfaidh sé isteach chomh luath agus is féidir. A criminal conviction can follow a person for many years. After a sentence is served, it can affect a person's ability to get a job, find housing or access education. In many cases these barriers make it much harder for someone to move forward and contribute positively to society, which contradicts the very essence of our criminal justice system in respect of rehabilitation. The Bill recognises that reality. The proposals for the broadening of access to the spent convictions regime really does create a fairer society where people who have demonstrated rehabilitation over time can move on past their mistakes. We have all made mistakes. I would also like to join an Teachta Ward, who is gone now, regarding the football Senator Ruane is involved in. I went into Mountjoy and we played football. I could not hit snow off a rope; I think we lost eight-nil. I am more of a rugby man. The Bill proposes to broaden access to spent convictions. It does not erase a person's history. Convictions remain on record but it limits when they can be disclosed. It recognises that people who have stayed out of trouble for a sustained period should be able to move forward. I do believe that. I thank Deputy Gannon for speaking to me and showing me his insight and knowledge. There is a fair and balanced approach. I welcome the Minister, Deputy O'Callaghan's proposal not to oppose the Bill on Second Stage. Looking at evidence is what we should base all of our actions on, whether it be in respect of climate, energy, housing or our justice system. We know from evidence that when people can access employment, education and stable housing, they are far less likely to reoffend. It is just logic. This is not just about fairness to individuals. It is also about building safer communities and a better society as a whole. I like that the Bill recognises the particular circumstances of young adults, particularly from my constituency of north Dublin, who are often still developing and making mistakes early in life. We should not permanently close doors for young men and women in this country. At its core, the legislation is about recognising rehabilitation, especially when someone has demonstrated over time that they have stayed out of trouble and positively contributed. I thank Deputy Gannon for reintroducing it and commend Senator Ruane. She is ferocious with her work. This Bill is unbelievable and it needs to be done. This is a sensible and balanced reform that supports rehabilitation, strengthens communities and will really help the people of north Dublin and the people of Ireland as a whole.

Sentiment score: 0.12