Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I do not often take the opportunity to speak on the Final Stage of a Bill but, when I saw it coming to a conclusion having been following its progress on the monitor, I came to the House to congratulate the Minister of State, Deputy de Valera, as well as Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, both of whom piloted the Bill through this House. I also congratulate the participants in the debate. I noted the Minister of State's warm responses, which were mirrored by those of Deputy Brian Lenihan.

It was an amazing experience to witness the manner in which this Bill was dealt with in this House, particularly the authentic voices of education of Senators Fitzgerald, Cox, Ulick Burke, Ryan and others. This is an historic day because children now have a right to have whatever potential they have realised and, as in the Latin term educare, brought forth and made to blossom. The Bill, the fruition of which represents very fine work by this Chamber over the past two weeks, will achieve all of this and I wish it well. I particularly extend my thanks to the Minister of State, the Acting Chairman and the officials who have patiently noted, waited, come and gone, as is the case with all officials. It is a good day for education and for young people.