Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister, Deputy O'Dea, and his staff for their work in bringing this Bill before the House. I also thank those on the Opposition side for their contributions to this Bill as it went through this House, and for their co-operation and help. It is important that the legislation was discussed well in this House.

I welcomed the Minister's previous comments in the House indicating that he would consider amendments when the Bill went before the Dáil. He did so and accepted some amendments to improve the Bill before bringing it back here today. That is a welcome progression. Any Bill going through this House may well have to come back on another day and be revisited. As long as it improves the Bill, such as this one dealing with the Defence Forces, we are happy to deal with it in such a way.

I compliment the Minister and the Defence Forces. The appointment yesterday of Dermot Earley as the new Army Chief of Staff for the Defence Forces is also to be complimented, and I wish him well. I express our thanks to the retiring Army Chief of Staff for his outstanding work for the Defence Forces over his term.

I wish the Bill well and hope it works out satisfactorily for the Defence Forces.