Although the Bill has been considered in the Seanad and the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service for four or five long days in recent weeks, I do not feel that progress is being made. I ask the Minister to respond to the unanimous assertion of the joint committee, which is chaired by Deputy Fleming, that the Bill needs "further significant amendment". I hoped that the committee's statement would be reflected in the Government's amendments today. The Minister has always made clear his views on legislation, while stressing that he is prepared to listen to the opinions of others. He is always willing to take issues on board, argue about details and, if necessary, concede certain points.