Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I thank all Senators who took part in the debate yesterday and today. I also thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach and his staff. I extend a special word of thanks to my officials in the Department of Social and Family Affairs as the Social Welfare Bill goes for presidential signature. An enormous effort was required to get from the stage many months ago when we first examined what we might do in the budget. We had to get through the Estimates process, the budget and then incorporate the budget into the first of two Social Welfare Bills. My sincere thanks to all my officials, some of whom are here, and to the many others who also worked on this Bill for so long. Tribute has been paid to them from all sides of the House and in the Dáil on many occasions. This legislation is historic in that it introduces a number of reforms which will make a real difference to the lives of many people. Senators can be proud of the part they played in getting us to this stage.