Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Brian Lenihan, to the House. I wish to be associated with the expressions of sympathy to the late Dr. Patrick Hillery, the former President. He was a lovely, simple man and a very effective, long-serving politician.

The Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Bill 2005 is a Seanad Bill which has been amended by the Dáil. In accordance with Standing Order 103, it is deemed to have passed its First, Second and Third Stages in the Seanad and is placed on the Order Paper for Report Stage. On the question "That the Bill be received for final consideration", the Minister may explain the purpose of the amendments made by the Dáil. This is looked upon as the report of the Dáil amendments to the Seanad. For Senators' convenience, I have arranged for the printing and circulation of the amendments. The Minister will deal separately with the subject matter of each related group of amendments. I have also circulated the proposed grouping in the House. A Senator may contribute once on each grouping. I remind Senators that the only matter that may be discussed is the amendments made by the Dáil.