Michael McCarthy (Labour)

The legislation is a step in the right direction.

Discussion on the Bill gave rise to a more serious issue — how the House does its business. Three weeks ago a technical flaw was discovered on Committee Stage of the An Bord Bia Bill. The Minister, Deputy Walsh, agreed to accept the amendment but informed me that he could not accept it in the House and it would be dealt with in the Lower House. This gives rise to a broad range of questions in regard to that Bill. However, I thank the Minister and her officials for the many happy hours of debate we had on this Bill.