Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

The related amendments have fallen. There is a certain concern among the people with whom we had discussions. I am sure either the Minister of State or somebody on the other side of the House had discussions with them. If it was not the Minister of State, it might have been the senior Minister or even backbenchers. The same kind of inquiries would have arisen.

These are not unreasonable amendments. They relate to the issues raised with us and which we raised ourselves. Notwithstanding the august position which the Minister holds, it might not be any harm now and again to climb off that horse, walk along the road, tarry a little while and take an amendment on board now and again.

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