David Norris (Independent)

I am not a bit gleeful. To adapt Oscar Wilde, and I am sure he thought of saying this if he did not say it, I have never understand the idea of tempting providence because it is older than the whole bloody lot of us put together and should be able to resist temptation. I will not bank on providence being able to resist temptation in my case because, over the years, I have been a deliciously naughty boy and providence might decide it is about time I got a smack so I refuse to tempt providence in the way Senator Ryan so unwisely did. I wish him well and hope that on this occasion he survives.

This is a positive evening because we have been ad idem on the need for the Bill and the Government in succeeding years will introduce legislation along these lines. It now has the endorsement of the House and Senators Henry and O'Toole have done a good day's work for Seanad Éireann.