David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I also thank the Minister for her courtesy and professionalism because she was clearly on top of all the matters involved in the Bill. She gave good and full answers, although she occasionally took advice from her legal eagles behind her. I regret that none of our amendments was accepted but anybody who reads the Official Report will see that it was a full, clear debate and that on certain amendments the Minister met us part way in that she said she would come back to us or that they were covered in another circumstance. It was a very useful debate. Despite that the Bill was not changed in the House, I believe we have helped to alter to a small extent the context in which these decisions are made. We raised questions which the Minister took seriously, and she undertook in certain circumstances to relay our concerns to some of her colleagues. It was time well spent. It is unusual for a senior Minister to spend a very long time here and as Senators we all appreciate that.