Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and his officials. I certainly took those points in the manner in which they were intended, that is, constructively. I will go back and look at them all in an attempt to improve this and bring it forward to Committee Stage. This is exactly how this Parliament should work in terms of putting something forward and having a good reasoned debate and then getting good points back. I am happy with that. I thank Deputy Lawless for contributing to the debate as well. I acknowledge Senator Barry Ward, who contacted me about section 3 and having reference to emergency services as well as the reference to An Garda Síochána.

I have been critical of the Government for putting in delay provisions previously on private Members' Bills. I am most thankful that the Government is not opposing the Bill and is allowing it to go to Committee Stage. I will work with the officials and whoever else it may be to try to improve the Bill and move it forward through the Houses.

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