Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Senator is absolutely right. However, nobody here has any major issue with the principle of the Bill. There certainly are amendments we would like to see made, but the legislation represents a first step forward. If this House can send a message that we support the Bill, irrespective of party allegiances and our concerns about certain elements of it, it will be a vote of confidence in the new authority. All legislation that comes through this House can be amended in the future if it is deemed necessary to do so. We would all ultimately like to see the Minister having less power in this matter, but it must be a step-by-step process. I appeal to my good friends and colleagues on the other side of the House not to press their amendment on this occasion.