Susan O'Keeffe (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. Perhaps people looking on might think we are indulging in a moment of self-congratulation. I think otherwise. It is important that we put on the record that when a Minister listens and there has been a collaborative effort with people who had issues, ideas and thoughts, it results in better legislation. No set of officials, no matter how hard they work or how experienced they are, and they are experienced, can possibly come up with all the answers. No Minister can either. We are constantly berated here, there and everywhere for not listening, not co-operating and not collaborating. Neither is it the case that Senator Byrne is obstreperous all the time.

It is an example of the fact that people who oppose do so less violently, more carefully and more constructively when somebody is listening. A better result is obtained. If there was ever a lesson in the value of collaboration, we have seen it here with this Bill, and particularly, as the others have pointed out, where the Minister of State arrived in and was flung in at the deep end. He has taken the time and the effort to listen. We all appreciate that, not just for the value for this Bill and this House but for the value placed in Parliament in general. We will hold it up as an example and perhaps encourage others to take this example and follow it.