Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I thank everybody involved in the Bill. This time last week, I knew nothing about international conventions on air navigation and transport. I know considerably more now. I thank the departmental officials for the briefing they gave me. I also thank my researchers and the Minister who gave a very comprehensive speech yesterday. The Bill gives people the option of taking legal action in their own state, which is of major benefit. The trial resulting from the Lockerbie crash took place outside Scotland and caused considerable distress to the families involved. We should not see a recurrence of that.

This is a good Bill and I wish it a speedy passage. I am glad that it should be passed before 1 May thus allowing the ten accession countries to be covered. I congratulate all those involved.