Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators from all sides for their very constructive contributions to this all important debate on the Licensing of Indoor Events Bill 2001. I appreciate it is some time since the Bill was originally initiated as it took a long time to get into the queue. It is almost complete and I have no doubt we will get the necessary co-operation from the House with a view to ensuring we can proceed with the Remaining Stages as soon as possible after Easter. Once enacted, the Minister will be able to sign the regulations to which I referred in my earlier contribution. It is in all our interests to have this implemented as soon as possible.

This Bill concerns fire safety and there is general consensus on the principle, even though there may be some questions on the detail into which we can go on Committee Stage. I thank the Senators those who contributed to the debate for the very constructive approach and support for the Bill. I am heartened by the consensus of the House on the importance of the Licensing of Indoor Events Bill 2001. I look forward to an informed and interesting debate on the detail of the Bill during Committee Stage.