Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I second every word Senator O'Neill has just said. I thank the Minister. This has been a very proud and happy day for the Seanad. We have always wanted to play that role and the Minister has been very receptive to what we have been saying. The Bill goes to the Dáil incorporating many interesting new elements, which is one of the roles of the Seanad in assisting the total Oireachtas in the preparation of legislation. I have served in my previous career on many advisory bodies and State boards, but nothing beats Seanad Éireann when it comes to making public policy, as we have in the last few days. It has been very rewarding and shows that when the House performs and has a listening Minister, it can assist the Oireachtas. It is very important. As the holder of a university seat, I try to bring the wisdom of 64 academic departments to bear. We all want Ireland to make progress under so many headings and are impatient to do work like this every day. I thank the Minister for the role he has played.

The co-operation of the Minister and his officials with the Seanad is a model we hope to follow again many times. Over a year ago, the public decided they wanted the Seanad. Doing the work we have done with the Minister to discuss the various aspects of clamping was most important. We are really only warming up to repeat the exercise and assist on many further occasions Ministers and the Oireachtas as a whole in making Ireland a better place. The founders of Seanad Éireann and the original Senate in the Free State could be proud and happy about what has gone on here today. It would have been impossible without the Minister's approach to us. I thank him very deeply and personally for his participation.