Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister. I also welcome the amendments to the Bill. I compliment the Minister on finalisation of a Bill which is important to anyone who regards himself or herself as an animal lover. That the Minister was able to accept amendments in the Lower House is to be respected. The Bill is all the better for the amendments. As Senator Cummins stated, it is unfortunate we were not able to tease out some of the amendments on the floor of the Seanad. In one particular case it has led to the loss of the Whip from a valued colleague, Senator Denis O'Donovan, which I am sure will be temporary, whose proposals were subsequently accepted and vindicated in the Dáil. Despite that, however, I am not one who subscribes to the conspiracy theory and I do not agree with Senators who state the two parties in Government are bullying each other. The partnership appears to be working well and in a mature way. That is due in no small part to the Minister's calm, moderate and effective presentation of policy at all times and the way he enunciates Government policy. People in my party appreciate very much the important role he is playing in this coalition Government.