Averil Power (Fianna Fail)

I join with colleagues in congratulating the Minister on getting the Bill through. We agree in principle on most of it. I have made arguments on the aspects I consider too restrictive. We have had a fine debate in the past two days, in particular yesterday in the Minister's emotive contribution and the contributions of others in the House. He remarked yesterday that it showed the contribution this House has to make in terms of such legislation. Contributions were considered, sensitive and well thought out. That reflects well on the Seanad and on all sides of the House. It is appropriate that this is among the last legislation we conclude today.

I acknowledge the presence of survivors in the Gallery, as they have been over recent days. I welcome that the Minister said the board would be up and running by September. It is important it gets off the ground because there has been such a long and painful journey for the survivors. For the most part, the passing of the Bill is a positive development. I thank the Minister for that.