Mr. Alan Shatter:

The political bubble is one in which there is an absolute consensus. Everyone in this room supports the Bill. The only issue, really, has been whether it should extend to services. That goes across both sides of the Houses. I know from my 30 years of experience that if the Bill is enacted when there is consensus at that level on a really difficult issue and critical faculties are suspended, it will be realised in years to come that not only was it an exercise in futility but also that it was an exercise that sadly embarrassed and detrimentally impacted economically upon this State. I love this State – I love Ireland – and do not want to see us depicted in the international community in the manner this Bill will result in us being depicted. I want us to be further advancing our economic well-being through the systems of all the American multinational companies located here. I do not want us to do anything either to frighten them away or to inhibit their engagement.