Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

I thank both Senators for their comments. I appreciate the points made, especially those made by Senator Bradford. His party was anxious for a positive resolution to this situation. If we examine this in detail he will agree that this is a positive parliamentary procedure. The distinct and separate roles of the Executive and the Oireachtas dovetail. The Executive has a serious responsibility and must conduct its business in a focused, efficient and effective manner. The parliamentary role of the Oireachtas is one of privilege and responsibility. Both Houses have a parallel opportunity to examine the instrument after it is lodged, at which point it has the force of law.

We have mirrored the desires of Fine Gael and those of other Members in ensuring a transparent mechanism has been provided to the Houses to inform Members and the public. The sectoral committees, a new dimension, will be aware that these statutory instruments are coming into law and have the force of law. If they wish to consider them in some way, they have the privilege of debating them. If Members wish to table a motion, that is the privilege of Members. The distinct roles of the courts, the Executive and the Oireachtas have been encompassed in what has been proposed to protect the integrity of the corpus of legislation required to meet our obligations in respect of the EU. I am grateful for the support shown by the Senators.

I accepted amendment No. 4, tabled by the Labour Party, in the Dáil. It refers to the collective citation. It brings a positive conclusion to our debate and the individual contributions of Members in the Seanad and the Dáil. The Bill was published on 1 December, debated in the Seanad in December, debated in the Dáil in February, in committee in March and now in the Seanad in April to take account of changes made in Dáil Éireann. This gives a clear signal to the citizens of our country of the dedication of the Members of the Oireachtas and of our public officials who worked so hard in consultation with the Attorney General, the Chief Parliamentary Counsel and others involved in ensuring we construct the most modern legislation required for Ireland in the modern world that fulfils our obligations as members of the EU and that allows us to maintain our integrity and independence as a sovereign republic. I salute everyone involved, including the Cathaoirleach and his staff, in ensuring this important Bill is about to be passed in the Seanad.