Alex White (Labour)

I also welcome the passage of this legislation and the commitment the Minister of State has shown to consultation with members of the Opposition in both Houses. This is important legislation and, as Senator Phelan said, the fact that Ireland is a small country and some people view our involvement in this trade as merely a drop in the ocean does not detract from the vital importance of the controls contained in this Bill. Huge ethical and moral issues are associated with this debate and they have been aired here and in the other House.

Notwithstanding the fact that not all of the Opposition's proposed amendments have been accepted there has been a willingness to consider them and some have found their way through in some shape or form. There has been a vitally important debate on this matter, which may have been a little overdue as members of my party have called for such controls as these to be introduced for some years. That is in the past now as the legislation is in place. I welcome it and commend the Minister of State on shepherding it through as he did.