James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I voice my strong support for the motion on behalf of Fine Gael and thank the Labour Party for bringing it before the Seanad this evening. I am delighted to note that backing comes not only from the Opposition but from the Government, courtesy of the Leader of the Seanad. When Senator Tuffy raised the establishment of a petitions committee on 15 June 2006, in No. 26, motion No. 20 on the Order Paper, Senator O'Rourke described it as follows.

It is an excellent motion. I hope Senator Tuffy puts it forward in Private Members' time. I will seek, if I can, that we do not put forward an amendment and that this House will accept it.

She did so and deserves our acknowledgment in that regard. This morning she referred to the fact that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Roche, had some reservations on the matter.