Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank colleagues for their very constructive contributions to this debate. One of the benefits of reading the concluding speech which is provided by the Department is that it gives an idea of what the reaction may have been. I note it states that those Members who contributed have given a general welcome to the Bill. However, I will change that to "a more subdued welcome", which I am on safer ground in assuming. I assure Members that we look forward to a partnership between this House and the Department on Committee Stage of the Bill. There is much experience on all sides of this House and we will do our best to agree to constructive amendments. This is very important legislation which has been a long time in the offing. We must ensure that the Bill is supported by all concerned.

I enjoy listening to contributions from Senator Byrne. His view of more recent history is that history only began in March 2011. Rather like Pol Pot and his regime-----