Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I regret that Labour opted not to come back into the bed. The former Minister of State, Senator Coffey, has outlined - as will the Minister of State, Deputy English - why the Government cannot support the specific wording of the Bill but that it will agree to the principle of what is trying to be achieved. It is important that rather than divide the House, we take what is good from the Bill and, in line with the Minister's commitment, make better legislation in order to achieve the end result. The Minister will consult Senator Grace O'Sullivan and he is willing to engage. It is important for that process to be undertaken. The Minister is quite clear that for the ban to be considered, there has to be a certain amount of consultation and a process. I hope the Minister will engage again. We all want to achieve the principle behind the Bill. The Minister has committed to the campaign and to working with our European Union colleagues to actively campaign for the ban. We should all try to live up to that aspiration.

I have a genuine regret that we did not see better consultation. I am happy, as Members know, to work with Senator Grace O'Sullivan in making this a better Bill and achieving the overall result, which is what she wants.