Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

): I thank Senators on all sides of the House for their work on the Bill. I do not say this because I am present in the House or in a political way, but I disagree with the suggestion that we get rid of the Seanad, as I very much welcome the exchanges on legislation in this House. From the point of view of the examination of legislation, it is important that we have two Houses. It is a great exercise that keeps Departments on their toes. It is a double-lock mechanism, as it were, in the examination of legislation. I tend to suggest to my officials that we start legislation in the Seanad and finish it in the Dáil because there tends to be a more detailed argument on certain Bills - not every Bill - in this House that we do not have in the other House.

I thank Senators for their work on the Bill. I also thank the office of the Cathaoirleach and my officials for their work on this extensive legislation. There is an onus on us to pass the Bill as quickly as possible because of an EU imperative. I also hope we will be able to comply with its requirements.