Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I understand what happened. We both know that the Chair meant well and those of us who were with him gave him every encouragement.

I am only an alternate on the British-Irish Interparliamentary Body, but I was particularly glad to have been able to participate in its proceedings when it met in Killarney. Senator Mansergh was also present at that meeting and made a fine contribution. While the DUP would not participate in a membership capacity at the meeting to which I refer, its representatives were facilitated in making a formal presentation to the body and participating in a question and answer session. It had four representatives present — Peter Robinson, his wife, Nigel Dodds and Jeffrey Donaldson — and they all participated. That was a good indication — I hope it is a forerunner — of the advances that will be made.

As the Minister of State indicated, the Bill is part of a facilitation process. I welcome that and I would not like to say anything that would cause upset. I wish the Bill success together with the fruits that flow from it. I hope everything will be put in place and the timetable envisaged will not be upset.