I want to take a moment to address the ongoing public consultation. I am aware of concerns raised in regard to the duration of the consultation and the fact the legislative process in the Oireachtas was scheduled to commence in advance of the consultation concluding. I accept the timeframe is not ideal and I very much appreciate the accommodation of the House in commencing Second Stage today. The Government's intentions have been well signalled since the framework for the Bill was issued in December 2009. As I said earlier, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, and I have invested substantial time in the preparation of the provisions. I will be happy, as we move to deal with later Stages, to update the House on the progress of the consultation process. I assure Members that the Government is open to considering amendments which Senators may wish to table on Committee Stage, including amendments arising from the response to the public consultation.