Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this Bill. I had a similar opportunity nine years ago in the Upper House when the current Deputy Brian Hayes was leader of the Fine Gael group in opposition. We put forward a very strong proposition that the amendment brought forward by the Fianna Fáil Government at the time should not be accepted. If I remember correctly, the debate went on into the night. The Minister of State will be able to confirm that it went on until 4 a.m. There were many contributions and it was a very expansive debate-----

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