Tony Kett (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister and his officials for this welcome and reforming legislation. It is clear that we need effective and efficient legislation to deal with modern Ireland. Undoubtedly, it is also true that this kind of legislation has the capacity to contribute in a meaningful manner to economic activity.

Recently, I heard the Minister refer, possibly on "Questions and Answers", to the amount of archaic and ancient legislation that has been sitting on the Statute Book since Norman times or at some other point. The Minister has played his part in reforming the entire system and will continue to so do. It is ridiculous to think that we still suffer the laws and legislation of people who enacted them while wearing plus fours or carrying swords. However, that is another day's debate.

In addition to reforming the legislation, it is also essential that it be simplified, in order that those who must deal with it in whatever capacity can understand it better. Again, I thank the Minister and his officials.