Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I sincerely thank all the Senators for facilitating and co-operating in the passage of all Stages of this important Bill. It is technical legislation but important in underpinning the mandate of the Special EU Programmes Body and allowing it to continue its very valuable work. I have seen at first hand the projects that the Special EU Programmes Body has supported and the impact that it has had on the lives of thousands in Northern Ireland. The Special EU Programmes Body's work has allowed people to come together on a cross-community and cross-Border basis in a way that had not happened hitherto. It has facilitated reconciliation and helped the region move towards a more peaceful and stable society. In addition, it has made a significant contribution to the economic and social landscape of the Border region.

EU support is very important in the Government's efforts to secure long-lasting peace and prosperity in Northern Ireland and on the Border. I look forward to presenting this Bill to the Dáil shortly. I hope that it will be equally facilitating so that we can enact the legislation before the end of the year, giving the Special EU Programmes Body a strong mandate to continue its work until the next round of EU funding. I thank all the Senators and the officials in the various Departments for their co-operation. This is very important and something to which we are all committed. With Senators' co-operation, we will have even greater success in future.