Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)

I thank the Minister for attending for the duration of this debate. I mentioned to Senator Cummins that we were both Munster people and that we would try to keep the ball on the ground during the debate. I did not believe, however, that Fine Gael would pull on the man because it could not get to the ball. I regret that some Fine Gael Senators have tried to do so tonight.

I welcome the comments of all the Senators and the support of the Fianna Fáil Senators, particularly Senator Mansergh, who said good ideas cannot be patented by any one party. One's disclosure of good ideas does not give others the right to get prickly, as Senator Brian Hayes has sought to do.

I agree there is much more to be considered in respect of the Bill. Senator Cummins asked what the Government is doing about the matter but I am sure he was surprised that the Minister, when summing up, showed us the heads of his proposed Bill.