David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for their positive comments and support for the Bill. As I said the last time I was here, there were very good reasons the Government was not supporting this particular amendment. The Law Society of Ireland and the Bar Council are representative bodies and it would have placed a statutory duty on those, and the judicial studies institute no longer exists. The Government could not support the amendment and the Dáil could not support it either.

The Senator has provided a very useful service because he has highlighted the importance of training. I thank the Senator for that because the debate we had was very important. Where victims are concerned, this legislation is a beginning, not an end. We need to continue to improve and evolve our approaches to and supports for victims. I give a commitment to the Senator that we will look at the importance of training. The Senator has highlighted that and provided a useful role in this regard. We will keep in mind the importance of training and consider if there is any way we can improve legislation in the future in terms of including a need for training.

Rather than being disappointed, the Senators should congratulate themselves for highlighting and debating this very important matter. I am very pleased that this Bill is completing its passage through the Oireachtas today. This is a very good outcome. It is good for victims of crime. I thank the Senators for their support and I thank all the organisations that have contributed to this legislation. I know that everyone who supports this Bill will be eager to see it brought into force very quickly, and that is the intention of Government.

I am glad to report that the majority of the provisions in the Bill should be enforced within a matter of weeks and all of them by the end of the year or very early next year. I also thank my officials for the enormous amount of work they have done on the Bill, literally burning the midnight oil to ensure we have got to where we are today. I thank my colleagues and ask them please to continue to challenge, debate and raise issues because that is the reason all of us are here. I thank the Cathaoirleach for his support.