Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators Paul Coghlan, Cummins and Mullins for proposing the Bill. The Fianna Fáil Party will support the passage of the Bill on Second Stage and I hope the Government will do likewise. I ask Government Senators to note my party's view that this is a positive Bill which can go places. While we have a number of issues with the legislation, we are not seeking to oppose it on technical grounds. I am not suggesting the Government side in the House would adopt such an approach but the Cabinet often issues orders in the case of Private Members' Bills.

This is worthwhile legislation and Senator Coghlan will be pleased to note that it chimes well with Fianna Fáil policy, as outlined in a recently published policy document. I am not suggesting he knew anything about the document.