Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators on all sides of the House for the welcome they gave the legislation. I appreciate the contributions made. On the detail of the legislation, two points were made by Senator Browne and Senator Henry, respectively, about the duration of time to which this order should apply. The discussion on that was very valuable because it served to bring up the nature and purpose of the legislation as well as its context.

Senator Tuffy tended to dwell on the question of the parties. She raised a general point which I will certainly examine further. We also had an opportunity to examine the detailed mechanics of the legislation. I know Senators were disappointed that other amendments which I had signalled were not tabled in this House. I understand that this was the subject matter of division in the House earlier. However, when those amendments are brought forward, they will come back to Seanad Éireann for full discussion and I have no difficulty with that.