Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

I thank all those who contributed to this Bill. I thank the Ceann Comhairle, the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and the Acting Chairman for assisting the passage of the Bill through the House. I acknowledge the help and assistance I have received from Deputies opposite. We have had robust debate on a number of occasions as the Bill passed through the House. It has undergone a number of significant and important changes as a result of this consideration, which is how it should be.

The Bill started out as a regulatory Bill. Deputy Durkan is correct that it is better if we could anticipate things as they unfold. It is a better practice that the completed Bill is before the House from the outset. It now touches on a number of other key areas, including gas safety, mine site rehabilitation and strategic infrastructure. Despite the fact that I did not accommodate all Deputy Durkan's amendments, the Bill gives a key role to Members of the Oireachtas in the development of policy in the future.

I refer to the public safety issue which was raised by Deputy Broughan. I reiterate my response to him that it will be dealt with either in the Seanad or in separate legislation in the coming year.

I thank my officials and the staff of the House for all the assistance and co-operation received in the passage of the Bill through the House.

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