Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators for their contributions on all Stages. The debates on 16 April, yesterday and today have been useful. I was struck by the number of Senators who had contributed and the quality of the interventions and views as well as their grasp of this technical and complicated legislation. I appreciate the input Senators have made thus far. I have listened attentively to their contributions and the Government tabled several amendments in response to suggestions made in the House on Second Stage.

I noted their contributions on Committee Stage and Report Stage and the Government hopes to table amendments in the other House for consideration, after which I will return to this House to give Senators an opportunity to express their views. Their contributions have already helped shape and improve the legislation, which, when enacted, will bear the imprint of the wisdom and insight of the House. I thank my officials for the work they have done to date and the officials of the House for preparing everything for this debate at such short notice, having concluded Committee Stage at 9.30 p.m. last night.