Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

This is legislation we cannot be accused of guillotining and rushing through the House. It was initiated in the Seanad on 7 June 2006 when I was a Member of the Lower House, so it has taken a long time. I know the Leas-Chathaoirleach was deeply involved in the legislation at that stage. I concur with my colleague, Senator Regan, that it is excellent legislation.

I compliment the Law Reform Commission on its excellent work not only in this area but in many other areas as well. I always study the reports of the commission whose staff must be congratulated on their consistency in dealing with complex matters. Sometimes the Oireachtas can be accused of not reacting quickly enough to some of the commission's recommendations. By and large, however, they are well appreciated by Members of the Oireachtas, including members of the Government.

This great legislation is both reformative and informative. I congratulate the Minister on eventually bringing the Bill to its rightful conclusion. For a change, three years plus for legislation going through the Oireachtas is a counterbalance to the accusations we sometimes hear that we are rushing measures through the House by guillotining debate. This Bill has had a lengthy debate in both Houses and in committee. I commend the Bill and thank the Minister and his officials for the excellent work that went into drafting it.