Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I am delighted to welcome the Minister of State and thank the Leader for allowing time for this debate. We must continue to speak about this issue in the hope people will take note of the fact that the Convention is happening now. It is discussing issues which will have an influence on Irish people in the future. There is no better Chamber in which to discuss this important issue. I hope the media will give coverage tomorrow to the Convention on the Future of Europe, although I am sure the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill will get the headlines. I am delighted to listen to the Minister of State and compliment him on the Trojan work he has done and the many hours he has spent on this issue in recent months. He has reported back to Departments and every Cabinet Minister about what happened at every plenary session and in the working groups which debated the issues.