Mr. J. Walsh:

I will share time with Senator Maurice Hayes. I will stick to the content of the legislation because it is an extremely important Bill and I do not wish to be seduced into discussing peripheral issues for electoral purposes. It is a pity that has happened because we have a good record in this House of fairly and honestly evaluating legislation which comes before us. That has been recognised by many on all sides of the House who have paid tribute to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform for the open manner in which he has brought forward various reforming pieces of legislation, not just relating to the criminal justice system but on prisons, the Garda Síochána and a range of other areas.