Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I thank the Minister of State for his work with us today, and the Tánaiste for her work with us on Second and Committee Stages. As I said to her, with legislation as substantive as this it is better if Committee Stage precedes Report Stage by a week. In that way, when we table amendments, it gives a chance for the Government side to consider their merits. We have said a number of times in the House today that hopefully our amendments might be reconsidered in the Dáil, but it would be nice to see amendments accepted in this House. That happens sometimes, and one feels a sense of achievement as a Senator if one's amendment is accepted. The Labour Party and I have welcomed this legislation and the new board. We tabled amendments to improve the legislation. I am a solicitor but the amendments are political and were put down to ensure all issues were aired. It is important that all aspects are debated, even if they are wrong. I hope that when the Bill goes to the Dáil, the Government will re-examine some of the issues raised in the Seanad.