Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I wish to share time with Deputy Browne.

I am grateful to contribute to the debate on this important legislation. I have asked the Taoiseach on many occasions on the Order of Business when it would be introduced and I am pleased it has been introduced today. I compliment the Minister for State for bringing it before the House. He is one of the less partisan Ministers at times. He made it clear that he regards the legislation as a Private Members' Bill and he recognises that Opposition Members and Government backbenchers have valuable contributions to make.

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