Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators for their valuable contributions. We had a useful debate on Second Stage in July. This is technical legislation covering a number of different areas of company and consumer law. I wish to record my appreciation of the input of Senators to the debate. These provisions are necessary to allow Irish companies to continue to compete on international markets, thereby allowing us to maintain our competitiveness in key areas where it has been established. In addition, key provisions are included to allow for the smooth and effective transposition of EU directives relating to takeovers and transparency. It is imperative that we provide for civil and criminal liability and sanctions in these areas and this must be done by primary law. Should any further amendments be made in the Dáil I will, of course, bring the Bill back to the Seanad when Senators will have a further opportunity to give their views.

I thank the staff of the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and the Attorney General's office for their assistance in drafting the legislation and my own staff for the work and effort they put into bringing the Bill to fruition.