Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank everyone in the House for their assistance in facilitating the passage of this legislation and every single member of the committee for their assistance in drafting amendments. This was rushed and I thank them for their patience. I thank my officials who spent long hours during the night drafting amendments and engaging with the committee. It is my intention to use the same model in any other legislation that comes forward but not in such a rushed manner. I hope we can have very constructive engaging debates at committee and come back with amendments on Report Stage. I thank each of the members who tabled amendments. There was a lot of thought and effort put into the amendments that were tabled on Committee Stage and Report Stage. The principle behind those amendments merits consideration. It is my intention to reflect some of them through the legislation and some through other measures.

Deputy Ryan is in a relatively unique position. Perhaps the Acting Chairman could clarify it for me. It is very rare that an Opposition amendment has been accepted by Government. I congratulate Deputy Ryan on his historic achievement.

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