Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators for the speedy way in which today's business was dispatched. Some Members have a good understanding of the legislation because it was, of course, also considered by the previous Seanad, where it was first introduced.

I acknowledge the kind remarks made about my staff. There is no doubt the Department was obliged to invest a phenomenal amount of work into the legislation. The revisions and changes required were valuable and have left us with an instrument that will, as Senator Cummins pointed out, assist us in dealing with the international gangs, fraudsters and other personalities in collision with our criminal law.

The intention is to commence the legislation during the next three months. There is a variable commencement section in the Bill and different provisions will be commenced at different stages. My officials have set a three-month timescale for the completion of that commencement.