Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I wish to join my colleagues in congratulating the Minister on his approach to the work of the Seanad. This is something that could be copied by other Ministers. He is somewhat unique in his approach, although there may be one other Minister with a similar approach. I want to reiterate the point that listening to the arguments made here during the course of a debate and being willing to come back with amendments is to be commended. The Seanad should do more of that kind of work. It is very good to see a more constructive approach to Opposition amendments and I commend the Minister on that. I commend him in particular on his dealing with the issue of US officials and the carrying of arms. It is important he has made that statement on behalf of the Government and that he has brought in an amendment to that effect.

I do not want to involve the Minister in the procedural point we were making. Our spokesperson on this legislation could have missed it. We do not need a patronising lecture on how the House is run. We all co-operate in the running of the House. I want to make the point clear that we want our spokespersons to be present when important amendments are being considered. Changing the order puts that at risk. This is the basic point we want to make.

I welcome these valuable amendments and the approach the Minister has taken in the House.