Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I compliment our esteemed colleague, Senator Sean D. Barrett, on bringing this important Bill before the Seanad. I compliment any Member who introduces a Private Members' Bill, a it is a difficult task. The Senator's expertise shines through in the Bill before us.

I was astounded by the contribution made by the previous speaker, Senator Mark Daly. He came into the House at the end of the debate and suggested the Government would vote down the Bill. Had he been listening to the debate, he would have realised that Government Members do not intend to vote down this worthy Bill, as they strongly support many aspects of it. Moreover, they are willing to allow it to remain on the agenda and on the Order Paper, with the permission of Senator Barrett.