Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Tom Kitt, and the officials from the Attorney General's office and his own office for the work on the Bill. We have all developed great affection for the Bill during the time we have dealt with it. It is odd to have affection for legislation, but that is how it has turned out for us and others listening to the debate and commenting on it.

The task set involved a massive amount of work. Any colonial country, or any country which was overrun — we might as well make it plain — must have much of this type of work to do. Whether they have made as much progress as we in Ireland have, I do not know, but whoever decided to undertake this task did not fully realise the path they were beginning to tread. It is clear the work is only beginning. We see this not just with regard to the Acts to be repealed but also with regard to those which are being retained because they might affect a component of a present Bill or a component of life. That is another task which must be undertaken.

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Tom Kitt, for giving the House so much of his time. I recommend that the work should continue. When so much work has been begun, and so enthusiastically and learnedly, it would be a pity and a waste if it did not continue. I hope the Government, if it is returned, or some type of alternative, would recommit itself to this work. While it is a massive task, it is necessary. Any country is bound by laws, but these should be modern and up-to-date, as befits a modern democracy, which we are. We are a young democracy in terms of breaking free, particularly so within Europe, given that daily life is governed by strictures, directives and all the rest. To clear the undergrowth of centuries past is a positive step. I commend the Bill and commend the Minister of State, the Department and those who helped the process.