Joe O'Reilly (Fine Gael)

I endorse the remarks of Senator Walsh and thank the Minister for his engagement with the arguments made. He does so on all occasions when he attends. I also thank the civil servants who accompany the Minister. I thank my colleagues, Senators Coffey and Buttimer, who took Second Stage of the legislation for me last week because I was away. I regret I was not present for the entire debate. I know they will have done an outstanding job and will have applied their usual diligence and capacity to it. I would like to have been present for the entire debate and I apologise to colleagues for my absence. I thank them for their efforts. The legislation is worthwhile. I hope it will further enhance the economic potential of the country.