Feargal Quinn (Independent)

What an interesting debate this has been. I welcome the Minister and his officials here today. I particularly welcome the words he used which were repeated by Senator Ormonde. I was impressed by the Minister's reference to the regulatory impact analysis that is to take place, following the publication of a report on this topic last year. What will happen in 100 years time when people look back on the Bills being passed now? The Leader's entertaining examination of the various Bills was such that I would like to touch on some of them. The Assay of Imported Watch Cases (Existing Stocks Exemption) Act 1907 was passed less than 100 years ago. Other Acts include the Hosiery Act 1845, the Adulteration of Coffee Act 1718 and the Burning of Bricks (Dublin) Act 1770, about which Senator Norris spoke. It is not that long since the Oireachtas passed legislation on dog muzzling. I have been told that in the 1950s, there was a proposal that neon lights were likely to make one bald and that legislation should be passed banning it. Of course, that did not happen.