Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

On behalf of the Fine Gael group I thank the Cathaoirleach and his staff for the way in which business has been transacted during this session. I thank especially the Clerk, Clerk Assistant and the staff in the Cathaoirleach's office who have helped us, giving us the necessary advice on the many transactions conducted in this House.

I thank the Leader, Senator O'Rourke, for showing great flexibility at times to allow important debates and the space required to enable people put matters on the record. I join her in thanking Mr. Eamonn McCormack for his constant contact with the group leaders and the way he has attempted to show flexibility on the Government's part in respect of the advice he takes. I also join the Leader in thanking Jimmy Walsh of The Irish Times. It is the only national newspaper that runs a daily report on this House. I especially thank The Irish Times for doing so. I also thank the editor and producers of "Oireachtas Report" which ensures that even at a late hour every evening some bit of news from this House goes out to the country. I welcome that.

We have had a productive session and this has been a long week. Some of the staff in one section had to work until 6 a.m. to ensure that all the amendments were finally put through. This was an important week because the Criminal Justice Bill went through the House. It was the first time the Government accepted 12 or 13 of our amendments. I thank the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Michael McDowell, for that approach. Whatever our differences on the implementation of Government policy, he has shown great ability to take on board amendments from both sides of the House. Other Ministers could learn from him.

I thank my group for putting up with me on the various occasions when I and the Whip have had to lay down the law.