Susan O'Keeffe (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I do not have much to add other than to echo the words of previous speakers. This is a day of positive politics and a good day for the Seanad. This is the type of collaboration we do not see enough of and it is very welcome, irrespective of one's age. We do not discuss often enough the moments when we succeed.

I thank my colleagues opposite for introducing the legislation and the Minister of State for accepting it and seeing fit to discuss it and to try to frame it. This is a good moment. The terms "procurement" and "tendering" are often regarded as dirty words and it raises hackles when one discusses them. Tendering causes damage to businesses and certainly tries people's patience and makes them cross. There must be a better way; it is as simple as that. As previous speakers stated, the issue is well and truly above politics and we should try to find a common sense approach to it.

This is a good day and I thank all of those involved. I wish the legislation well, particularly the idea of negotiating with others to bring more substance to it.