Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I do so on the basis that this is setting an historic precedent. I concur with Senator Tuffy's comments about the Succession Act, introduced by the late Mr. Brian Lenihan Sn. It was the most innovative succession Act anywhere in the world. Up to that time, spouses were often thrown out of their houses which were left to children or strangers. When a husband died, the widow had no rights. That was changed by the then Minister, Mr. Brian Lenihan Sn., whom I had the honour of serving as assistant director of elections.

I thank those who spoke, including Senator White for her very nice comments, which were much appreciated. I also thank Senator Glynn, our spokesperson on health and children, who supported me in introducing the Bill, and Senator Feeney, the deputy spokesperson. I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for his indulgence.

I was advised on this Bill by the barrister, Wesley Farrell. I have served in four Departments and I found his assistance in preparing this Bill equal to if not better than any advice I got from departmental officials. I express my thanks to him and wish him every success in the future. Any Department would be fortunate to have his services available to it in preparing Bills. Two of his colleagues are in the Seanad ante room working on the Bill's amendments for me. I thank Bríd Miller, a solicitor in my area of Castlecoote, who advised me on the Bill initially and was very helpful.

I thank my former secretary Sinéad Leyden, who was responsible for the research on the Bill. She obtained research regarding the Council of Europe through the Internet. I was surprised to find a Council of Europe directive that has not been ratified by the State. I hope we may move on that idea. I might encourage the Government to ratify that provision. I thank my present staff, Stephen Brophy, my secretary, Alma Byrne, an intern who assisted in recent days, and my new secretary, Karl Whitney, who will be taking over from Stephen Brophy.