Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

First, I am grateful to the House for extending its sitting at short notice to deal with this important legislation. I thank everyone for their co-operation. I apologise to the Independent Senators as we overlooked inviting them to the briefing today — it was my fault. I also thank my wonderful officials, the Secretary General and the director of the mental health office in the Department of Health and Children for their outstanding work over a short time. I thank the much-maligned officials from the HSE, who were present to assist me, as well as the staff of the House.

In response to Senator O'Toole, I have a copy of the book on my desk. It was sent to me recently with a covering note explaining what it was about. I wondered whether I should give myself a little break from recent events before starting to read it. However, I intend to read it very shortly and I thank the Senator for the advance promotion, which will encourage me to read it quicker than might otherwise have been the case.