Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

I endorse what Senator Quinn stated. I am standing in today for Senator Mary White, but it is refreshing that, since the Bill was before the House on Second Stage, the Minister and his staff in the Department have brought forward a series of amendments that makes it more appropriate under the circumstances. Too often, Ministers and Departments are unwilling to accept any amendments or changes. The legislation may not be perfect or utopian, but it is a good start to comply with the European directive and the Minister should be complimented on it. I presume if, in time, this legislation is found not to be working properly and to be deficient in certain ways, the Minister will revisit it to make it workable. It is a new initiative in this area and the progress that has been made under this Bill must be welcomed.