John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for his work on the Bill to which amendments have been accepted from this side of the House. I thank the Minister of State on my own behalf and on behalf of my colleague, Senator Terry, in her absence, who dealt exclusively with this Bill on behalf of my party when it was previously before the House.

I have not previously heard the concerns expressed by Senator O'Meara in her last comments. It would be regrettable if the perception existed that this Bill would bring about such changes. It would be opportune for the Minister of State to respond to that particular issue. Many amendments have been made to the Bill since it was last before the House. I thank the Minister of State and his officials for their work.