John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I thank the Minister, Deputy Martin, who spent considerable time in the House earlier today dealing with legislation and has remained here for virtually the entire debate. I acknowledge that as a measure of his commitment.

The Minister recognised that some significant concerns remain. Listening to what the Opposition had to say, one would get the impression that it is entirely wrong to suggest that certain things should be done in the future. If the Government was to accept the Opposition's approach, which would involve living in some form of time capsule, nothing would be done. A common feature of this debate and of a recent debate on agriculture in Fine Gael Private Members' time is the complete absence – during four hours of discussion – of a single concrete proposal regarding what should be done. We heard a lot of thunder, which may sound impressive from a distance but is of no practical value.