Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I speak in a personal capacity because my party offered members a free vote. It was interesting to observe the Bill as it passed through the various Stages. The discussions on the heads of the Bill were very informative and assisted greatly in people's understanding of what the legislation was about. People still have strong views, as is quite evident in the Dáil. Report Stage will be taken in the Dáil Chamber. When people speak on the Bill, it is important speak on what is contained in it. If they are concerned about issues not dealt with in the Bill, they should be expressed but not in the context of what is in the Bill. Much of what is included in the Bill is already included in constitutional law and what we are doing is codifying it. People may have varying views on it, but that is my personal interpretation of it and why I supported it on Second Stage.

I thank all of the departmental officials involved, the Chairman and committee members for their commitment and the public service behind how we have worked, not only today but also in January and June.