Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State and his staff for the excellent work they put into the Bill. I also thank the Ministers of State, Deputies Michael Ahern and John Browne, who were involved in the Second Stage debate. I compliment the Minister of State and his officials on bringing forward the Committee Stage and Report Stage amendments so promptly.

I may have reservations in regard to particular sections but I welcome the general thrust of the Bill. Time will prove if Members were right or wrong in that regard. We cannot predict the future with any certainty, particularly when one considers what is happening currently on the world stage. As a former Minister of State for trade, I always favoured developing trade and expanding industry so I cannot be considered reactionary in this regard.

The Seanad has a meaningful role and those of us on this side of the Chamber welcome different views on any Bill. I support the legislation and the points made by Members will be reconsidered by the Minister in the future if it requires amendment.

I thank the Minister of State for coming before the House. My interest, and I am sure it is that of every other Member, concerns Ireland incorporated. I am not in any way racist because I welcome the lovely change in the environment in this country.