Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank everybody who made a contribution to today's debate. I have a speech in front of me dealing with what was said by Senators yesterday. I am always amazed at how that can happen. It shows how good our Civil Service actually is.

It was very interesting to listen to the various contributions from the eclectic mix of people in the Seanad. It was very interesting, particularly after the convulsions the House has gone through so recently. Senator White clearly has an insight into how businesses are set up, developed and run. Senator Quinn has similar knowledge but on a larger scale. Senator Barrett comes from the purest of places, the untainted grounds of academia and economics. Senator Hayden has a legal background, Senator Clune has an interest in business development while Senator Burke also has a legal background. I found his views on the question of business flowing out from Dublin and into the regions particularly interesting. Senator Cullinane spoke from the perspective of workers' rights and so forth. It was very interesting to listen to the variety of perspectives on this legislation.

I will deal with some of the points raised during the debate. Senator White referred to the question of fees. The companies referred to in this legislation are paying fees to accountancy firms anyway.