Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

They did not like the idea that non-professional people should be on these boards. I see the Minister will change the membership and authorise such heinous people as those who are not pharmacists to be on the board and it is worthwhile. They bring a different perspective. Come to think of it, we should have politicians who are not politicians as Members of the Dáil and Seanad. That would be rather good.

History tells us this is a profession as old as time and the Minister will place it in a modern framework with the regulatory body. It will be fit for Europe, the world and the Ireland of the 21st century. It is well past time we had it and it is good that we will have it. This Bill will only realise half of the objectives of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland. The second Bill will be required to bring coherence to their being, strategy and future. If the Department prepares it the Seanad will facilitate it at whatever hour and seek to give it its imprimatur prior to the general election.

The Minister will be well remembered for introducing the Bill in a modern, coherent form and for having it debated here and in the other House. I wish it well and look forward to hearing Senator Henry's amendments. I am sure they will be like herself, practical and full of common sense.