Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputies, particularly Deputy Tóibín, who has been present for all Stages. I believe the initiative has cross-party support. It is filling a gap that other countries have filled long before us. The Deputy, to be fair to him, has been advocating this measure for a considerable period. It was considered many times but we have succeeded in getting it across the line. I thank all my officials who have helped and I thank the other Departments who have co-operated in getting the legislation to this point. I certainly hope it will be a success. I assure Deputy Peadar Tóibin and Deputy O'Dea that we will make the body accountable to the committee so we can draw on the experience of Deputies at local level to ensure this will work as we hope.

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