Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I thank all Members of the Seanad for their great assistance in passing this Bill. It is ironic that I should be in the Department of Environment and Local Government at this time given that the only bridge order left was the Waterford bridge order. The process had largely taken place under Part IV of the 1946 Act. One thought that the Interpretation Act 2001 had covered it sufficiently but there was a doubt and we wanted to be absolutely certain. The Senators who spoke recognise the project is ready to commence and that it is extremely important infrastructure, both nationally and for the south-east.

There were no other orders remaining. This was discovered in the preparation of separate work. I thank my officials for their assistance in pointing this out and working so quickly to rectify the matter and remove any doubts. If Senator Bannon has any new bridge orders, I am sure we will be able to look at them under the new legislation and try to be as helpful to him as Fine Gael and the Labour Party have been to the Government today.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill reported without amendment, received for final consideration and passed.

Sitting suspended at 1.20 p.m. and resumed at 2p.m.