Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

With so much good will shown to this legislation, I am reluctant call a vote on it later.

Senator Thomas Byrne made a good point on the cost of enacting this legislation. I regard it as self-financing through charging for registration. The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, was positive and fair to the legislation. I accept she has enormous tasks to deal with in her portfolio. Having to bring this legislation to Cabinet is probably the last thing she needs.

Senator Sean D. Barrett welcomed the legislation and pointed out how many aspects of life involve registration such as car ownership and so forth. It is important that if a person makes a will there should be some way of locating it. Senators Fidelma Healy Eames and Ivana Bacik made excellent criticisms of the legislation. It was my intention that such criticisms would be put forward as amendments on Committee Stage.

Senator Paschal Mooney pointed out how some private legal firms already provide a service for the voluntary registration of wills. Senator David Cullinane, now a young father, made commendable points about the need for young families to make their wills. Senator Colm Burke outlined his great legal experience of dealing with wills, highlighting the intriguing situations that can arise. He also made the point that a solicitor should inform a person if they are appointed the executor of a will.

Will the Minister consider forwarding the Bill to the Law Reform Commission for its consideration?