Susan O'Keeffe (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. It is a good day to have this Bill passed. The Minister has listened, taken advice, consulted and reverted to Members. People always complain that Ministers never listen in the Houses, but here we are and the Minister has listened. That is good.

This is also a good day for the political system because we are constantly accused of not keeping our promises or of not making or seeking changes in the secret ways in which we operate. We must find a balance with regard to the need for some privacy in documentation, but this Bill marks a good departure. As the Minister stated, it ensures that everyone is captured in so far as possible. Including the Central Bank and the Garda is a welcome step, as is the provision of additional responsibilities to and the strengthening of GSOC. Like citizens and workers, police officers now know that the State has provided the protections it can, debated this matter at length and consulted with those involved. This strengthens everyone. It is not anti-State or anti-employer. Everyone should feel better when we have a more open society and when we openly say that we oppose the secret environments that have led to such poverty of thought and action.

I thank the Minister for his considerable efforts. I also thank his staff, who have spent many long hours straightening the Bill out and making it fly right.