Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies opposite and also Deputy Niall Collins's predecessor as his party's justice spokesperson, Deputy Calleary, for the constructive and helpful contributions made during the debate on the Bill as we went through its various Stages. Helpful contributions were made not just by the Deputies present, but also by others in the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality when we published the heads of the Bill, which influenced how we developed it. On a Bill of this nature it is important that we take on board any constructive amendments proposed and that we give consideration to issues raised. I know we cannot always take on board everything Deputies propose but I hope they feel they have been treated fairly and reasonably in the context of issues raised all the way through from the meeting of the Oireachtas joint committee to today's debate. I thank the Deputies for their very helpful and constructive contributions which have facilitated us completing this stage of the enactment of the legislation.

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