Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and the staff of the House for their work and co-operation in getting the Bill through the Oireachtas. It was greatly appreciated. I acknowledge we put the Bills Office and other staff under pressure with this legislation. I would like, in particular, to thank the Opposition spokespersons, Deputies O'Dowd, Coveney and McEntee from Fine Gael, my old adversary, Deputy Broughan, who left at the tail end of the Bill's passage but I am glad to see him return, and Deputy Costello for their assistance. We teased out various elements of the legislation and good amendments were tabled. The Bill has been improved as a result of the debate. I also thank my officials and all the groups that briefed Members and made their views known. We might have not agreed with all of them at different times but it is important in a democracy that people should have their say and we, as legislators, should do what we think is best in the interests of the public. That was done in this case.

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