Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

This was a very important Bill and we were pleased to deal with it in the Seanad. I thank the Tánaiste, the Minister of State and the staff of the Department for their hard work on it.

I take Senator Tuffy's point about a gap between Committee and Report Stages but we worked hard to ensure there was ample time to debate the Bill. On Thursday, the Second Stage debate lasted two and half hours less than the time allotted to it because some were silent on it. Yesterday, Committee Stage lasted over three and a half hours, a comprehensive debate during which everyone got a hearing, and the Tánaiste was here the entire time. If Report Stage had not been taken today, the Bill would not be law before Christmas because the Tánaiste will be dealing with it in the Dáil on Thursday.

I take the point made by Senators but I would like to make it clear that this Bill was not rushed. I sat down in my office and considered how it could be fitted in to the best possible extent. We have been honoured by having the Bill put through this House – we wanted it and we got it – because otherwise the debate would have been squeezed into a half day sitting at the end of the session and I did not want that to happen.

I thank everyone who put such effort into this Bill. The Tánaiste told me after yesterday's debate that she is keen to implement some of the ideas put forward in amendments in this House. Like Senator Tuffy and Senator Henry, I would like our amendments to be accepted.

I was taken with what Senator Scanlon said about young people from rural areas who find it difficult to get to work. This Bill is historic and will herald a better deal for consumers in the insurance industry.