Delayed legislative reforms
Senator Quinn criticises delays to the Construction Contracts Bill and presumed-consent organ donation legislation, noting Northern Ireland’s move on organ donation.
It is 1,000 days tomorrow since the Construction Contracts Bill was passed by the House. I cannot understand how it takes so long to get things done. We have been told it is to go to the Cabinet shortly. We have been told it is ready to go before the other House again, but it is so frustrating. A Bill that was introduced in the House to do with presumed consent for organ donation was adjourned while consultation was to take place and nothing has happened since. What has happened today? It has been announced that Northern Ireland is to introduce presumed consent; in other words, it is presumed one has given consent unless one has actually denied it. One can opt out. The Bill was debated here and the debate was adjourned for further consultation and nothing has happened. It really is frustrating for somebody who comes from outside into politics and to see how long it takes to get things done in the State.