Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for their contributions to the debate. At the beginning of Second Stage, I indicated that I was prepared to listen carefully to the discussions in this House and that where Members had practical experience of what we were trying to do I would take many of their views into account. We have taken many of the issues into account. I thank Deputies Cowen, Stanley and Murphy, who have taken a particular interest in these matters during the debates and responded very constructively in respect of what we are trying to achieve. I thank them for their co-operation.

I thank my officials, led by Mr. Denis Conlan and Mr. Michael Murphy, and all the officials in the local government division for ensuring that much of the painstaking work that has taken place for a number of years would culminate in this Bill. We do not always agree on the detail in this House but I hope the spirit of constructiveness has resulted in a much better Bill than the one that was initiated.

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