Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I sincerely thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach and all the Senators for their speedy consideration of this Bill. I appreciate the sincerity, commitment and dedication people bring to this House and admire the legislative work done here.

I especially thank Senator Quinn for alluding to the fact that he was involved in a Supreme Court decision in 1970. I will ask some of the lawyers who support us as outstanding officials to dig that out, and I may read it over Christmas or afterwards. It shows how we, as citizens who become legislators, can be involved in the process which helps to make us better legislators.

I am grateful to everybody in the House whose lead and positive attitude to the Bill and to the European project I hope will be followed by our colleagues in the Dáil. We are here to ensure that we have the fairest, most balanced and even-handed legislative process possible for the citizens, taking into account our responsibilities under the Constitution and as members of the European Union.

We have done a good day's work for which I am deeply grateful. I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach, the Clerk to the Seanad and all the staff and officials from the Department for their tremendous work. I wish a very happy Christmas to all.