Feargal Quinn (Independent)

This is an interesting debate. I welcome the Minister of State and his first few words, where he stated, "research both at home and abroad demonstrates the tangible benefits that effective and meaningful information and consultation arrangements can bring to both the business and the individual". I agree entirely with this statement.

However, I am worried about the Minister of State's last few words. As Senator Coghlan has said, it has taken some time to get the Bill to this stage. The Minister of State has stated that amendments will be introduced at the next Stage. I do not understand this as we have taken much time to get the Bill into the Seanad.

I support the Bill and what it aims to achieve. I do this from a personal experience. For 40 years I found the benefits of sharing information.