Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Acting Chairman and all the Members of the Seanad for their courtesy, help and co-operation. I have dealt with several Bills in this House over the past two and half years and really appreciate that Members have taken the time to consider the relevant issues. I suspect I have accepted more amendments in the Seanad than any other Minister, certainly on a pro rata basis. I have been very pleased to take on board ideas in which Members invested some thought and consideration. The legislation we have passed is all the better for the input of the Seanad. I cannot offer to reciprocate Members' help until I find out whether I will have a vote in the forthcoming Seanad election. I certainly hope so.

I wish Senator Dardis well if he is not contesting the election. We worked closely together on a number of committees. I have worked at committee level with all Members present on occasion. People outside the Houses do not realise that when we get over the election issues and do mainstream political work on their behalf, there is much co-operation across party lines. Most of us are sufficiently open-minded to accept that very good ideas come from Members with whom we do not consider ourselves aligned politically, thus benefiting legislation and policy. I wish all the Members well and thank them for their co-operation. I thank my staff in the Department who have put considerable work into this very difficult Bill and several others. I am pleased to have got this Bill through the House before the end of the term of the current Oireachtas.