Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I thank you, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle and Members on the other side of the House for their work on this legislation. It was difficult legislation, from my point of view. While I was the sponsoring Minister, it crossed over a number of Departments, particularly the Departments of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and Enterprise, Trade and Innovation. We had a number of meetings to tease out the issues involved. With respect to the Law Reform Commission, its recommendations were not as comprehensive as we required for good legislation in this area.

The amendments we have agreed will be taken to the Seanad, but I hope this legislation will be enacted in the new year.

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