Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I concur with the comments made by other Senators. I thank the Minister for the manner in which he dealt with the various amendments. The debate was a most interesting one. The Bill arose as the result of a recent Supreme Court ruling and changes, which may or may not have some effect, have been made to the 1996 Act.

It would be prudent to monitor the implementation of the legislation once it has been enacted, so that if any difficulties arise they can be rectified. The Minister has agreed that in such circumstances further amendments can be made, either to this legislation or that dealing with family law.

I thank Opposition Members, in particular, for their co-operation in ensuring the passage of the Bill, which represents a good day's work. As many Members have said, the protection now exists to deal with such incidents over the Christmas season but hopefully they will be few and far between.