Alex White (Labour)

I welcome the passage of the Bill and thank the Minister of State for his professional and gentlemanly style in the debate. Senator Coghlan was too kind in his remarks because colleagues of his were also active in tabling amendments. Members on all sides of the House have contributed to the Bill's passage.

Some issues remain such as the basis for the issuing of diplomatic passports. There remains a measure of discretion on the part of the Minister for Foreign Affairs in that regard. How diplomatic passports are issued to persons other than serving Ministers deserves debate but I accept it is a matter for another day. I commend the Minister of State and his officials on their work and approach to the Bill and extend my thanks to them.