Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I thank Members for their contributions and officials from the Department for their assistance with this Bill. There was widespread consultation with the different groups before the Bill was drafted, so we achieved consensus on a number of issues. There is still a certain misunderstanding from some quarters. Regarding the matter raised by Senator Browne, I did not say that we were waiting for a response for six months. To the best of my knowledge, a meeting with the group to which the Senator refers took place in March. Following the meeting, a letter was issued by the Department to the group, seeking clarification on a number of issues. We are still awaiting a response to that letter. If the position is any different, I will inform the Senator.

Members made a number of suggestions at different Stages of the Bill and we have taken some of them on board and incorporated them with the amendments made today. If groups are prepared to suggest other changes that will improve the legislation on this area, we will be happy to take them on board.