Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

That is correct. I thank Opposition Deputies. We had a very constructive debate on Committee Stage and have taken on board quite a number of amendments. The discussion on Committee Stage and the interaction between us have allowed for a better and more enhanced Bill. I thank my officials for the hard work they put into the drafting of the Bill and, in particular, for their tolerance and acceptance of the consequences arising from the change of "non-national" to "foreign", which was very necessary. That gave rise to 79 consequential amendments. Therefore, someone had to pore over the detail of the legislation and ensure the full implications were reflected in the complete text. I also thank the Ceann Comhairle and Leas-Cheann Comhairle for facilitating the debate.

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