Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

While I congratulate the Minister on his appointment, he is new to the job and has come in at the very last Stage. I urge him to examine the legislation and listen to the pleas of my colleagues, Senators Darragh O'Brien and Power, who have actively fought against this aspect of the Bill in particular. The Minister has the opportunity, through the commencement order, not to give effect to the most contentious provisions of the Bill. I urge him to consider whether this is right and to think about the thousands of people on the north side of Dublin, the Minister's area, and County Meath who will be severely affected by it. The commencement order gives the Minister an opportunity to take further control of the Bill and re-examine it. Undoubtedly the Bill will pass now.