Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank members of the committee for their co-operation in getting this Bill through Committee Stage. I acknowledge the work of the expert group, which was very quickly assembled and had significant input into the Bill. I want to give a particular mention to Professor John Wiley whose expertise has been valuable in terms of the amendments made to the Bill.

I acknowledge those in the Visitors Gallery, particularly the impacted traders in Carrickmacross, and I thank them for their effort in having this matter raised at a local level. As I said earlier, this issue does not only impact on County Monaghan; it impacts the entire country.

I thank the Chairman and the officials from the Department of Justice and Equality who worked efficiently to get the legislation to this point. I particularly thank the official sitting beside me for steering me through an area with which I am not particularly familiar. We look forward to bringing the Bill to Report Stage. I will ask the Business Committee to treat it as a priority. I know that I will enjoy the support of all members in progressing this Bill to finality in the Dáil as quickly possible such that it can be passed by the Seanad as soon as possible, signed into law by the President and enacted.