Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I thank Members and staff of the House for facilitating this Bill. We had a good debate during which a number of issues were raised. I was able to accept some of the amendments proposed in this House and I undertook to consider others before I introduced the Bill in the Dáil. I am grateful for the constructive approach Senators took and for the suggestions they made to improve the Bill. We have all played a part in improving this legislation.

In regard to my colleague, Séamus Brennan, who passed on this morning, it is fitting that we should be finishing our consideration of this Bill tonight. He took a particular interest in the Dublin transport authority and in transport matters affecting the greater Dublin area. From the moment I was appointed Minister for Transport, this Bill became a subject of regular discussion between the two of us. I acknowledge the role he played in the formulation of this Bill and the other work he did as a public representative over 35 years. He left a huge mark and his place will not easily be filled.

Senator Ellis and I were attracted into Fianna Fáil at the same time, during the first Ógra Fianna Fáil conference which was held many years ago.