Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I will not refer to any form of dressing up. I welcome the Minister of State's statement that work may be done in this area in the context of other legislation. In the past ten or 12 years, successive Governments have made considerable improvements in equality legislation. It would be a pity if, in the third millennium, our record in this area began to abate. While I can understand that this matter would give rise to difficulties in terms of passing this legislation, Senators' arguments must be taken into consideration. I encourage the Minister of State to examine the approach of other Departments to this issue. I appreciate his disposition and reply.