Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

It damages the credibility of the entire Bill and the reform intended in it regarding defamation. I regret the method by which the Minister has dealt with this matter and the rushed manner in which he has pushed it through this House. The Seanad can contribute significantly to the refinement of legislation, whether instigated here or in the Dáil and that has been demonstrated today. The closeness of the vote might reflect the outrage at the formulation, method and provisions on blasphemy the Minister has brought to this Bill.