Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senators for their contributions. I wish to reassure Senator McCarthy that the 2002 Act provides for a 21 day scrutiny for any regulation the Minister introduces. The question and point about democratic accountability is answered by the fact that we are discussing it here and will do so in the other House too. In addition, there is provision for Oireachtas scrutiny and the possibility, if the Oireachtas so decides, to negate any future regulation made by the Minister in connection with this Act. Members of both Houses are democratically elected and Ministers are elected by Members of the House which imposes accountability. The insertion into the principal Act of new sections 46A to 46E, inclusive, is particularly important because it gives teeth to the Bill and that is why I wish to ensure it is inserted in the legislation.