Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As has been said, this Bill was published three years ago and has been debated extensively in both Houses. The amendments the Minister has tabled on Report Stage are broadly technical and the other amendments are restated on Report Stage, having been comprehensively discussed on Committee Stage. It is not a question of their not having been considered. There is a broad understanding that we would have this legislation completed in the summer so we wish to proceed as outlined.

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