Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his very refreshing, real and focused engagement with us on the issues raised, including the debate on the amendments tabled during the debate. We proposed a large number of amendments on Committee Stage and I acknowledge the Minister's role in facilitating us and the fact that several of those amendments, albeit in slightly modified form, have made their way into the final legislation.

I join the Minister in paying tribute to the officials who worked closely with him on the Bill. We held a good debate exemplified by the fact that we stayed so long this evening, just as we did on Committee Stage in the Seanad. It was good that the Bill was initiated in the House. It is seminal legislation in a very critical area and in an all-embracing part of our lives. It merited the level of discussion and teasing out we allocated. Anything else would have been negligent and I am pleased we maintained the integrity of the Seanad in the way in which we engaged with this important legislation.