Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I also thank the Minister for giving us of his time. Anytime we have had a Social Welfare Bill before the House the Minister has given his full time to the debate. He has never left the House and I want to thank him for his interest, and for the work he has put into the Department since he came into it. He has brought a breath of fresh air to the Department and I recognise his attitude to his work in terms of wanting to bring about reform, which is very necessary. The manner he is going about it will have lasting impact.

I also recognise the work of officials in the Department who have had an enormous job to do in terms of putting the legislation together. It is no mean job to deal with all the amendments in both Houses.