Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

The huge numbers of Senators who attended here today has been fantastic. I thank in particular the Leader of the House and I apologise to her for the rush involved. She went out of her way to facilitate the taking of the legislation last week and again today. I am deeply indebted to her and to all the other Members who put so much time and effort into preparing their contributions. It is a good Bill which has broad support. There are issues around legal representation and so on, but apart from that the Bill has broad support from all parties in the Oireachtas. The legislation is just a small aspect of this matter. The credibility and effectiveness of the board will determine its success or failure. There is a group of very determined people on the board, including a Member of this House, Senator O'Toole. These people will be driven by an outstanding chairperson, Ms Dorothea Dowling, who will make sure the legislation works effectively to drive down the cost of insurance and deliver claims to genuine claimants.

I will not be present tomorrow because I must travel to Brussels in the afternoon. The Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ahern, will be here to take Report and Final Stages.

Report Stage ordered for Tuesday, 25 November 2003.