Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

This Bill has been in gestation for some time. We have progressed along the way and have listened to the Opposition. We have, rightly, done something in section 6 with regard to the Irish language. Senator Ryan is coming forward with a proposal at this stage. Whatever about the Parliamentary Counsel, Senator Ryan is right in saying that the responsibility rests with the Minister at the end of the day. I am simply saying that we have made changes along the way.

Senator Mansergh, who has not been allowed to speak on this amendment, made his own point yesterday. The first thing one sees is the Title of the Bill in Irish on the front of the document. It also appears on the back page and in section 6. It is not in the Long Title which is merely a descriptive term outlining what is contained in the Bill. I do not think this is a matter of life or death. I accept there is a duty on all of us to promote the Irish language but, quite frankly, I think there are other ways in which we can do so. We have come a long way with this legislation and I am anxious to get it enacted. Hopefully, we can go from here to the Dáil before the end of this session. I am not prepared to accept the amendment.