Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I thank all the contributors. I agree with Senator Bacik. Committee Stage has been extremely valuable to me in developing a deeper understanding of the legislation, and I am honest enough to admit that. We have considered and will consider all points and everything is being debated in the right way in the democratic process. It underlines the value of having two Houses of the Oireachtas. I am a fairly new Minister and when legislation is prepared there is no question that a genuine added value is provided by the analysis given by the Seanad with its unique voice and outlook in examining legislation — I am sure that is the case with all legislation.

I thank Senator Fitzgerald for her forbearance on the very sensitive issues we are trying to tackle regarding the Vietnam bilateral agreement. It is not something one can speak about as openly as one would like because of the international nature of the negotiations. I thank Senator Alex White for tabling many insightful amendments. I thank all the contributors, including Senators Mary White, Walsh, Bacik and others who made very valuable contributions over the past long few days. I also thank my officials who put such enormous work, dedication and insight into this.